Heart-risk decision made whenever shopping
Published: Feb. 4, 2008 at 6:19 PM
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 4 (UPI) -- A U.S. dietitian says shopping for a heart-smart diet means reading labels before putting items in the grocery cart.
Cathy Fitzgerald of the University of Michigan says seeing "may reduce the risk of heart disease" on the label is an assurance the U.S. Food and Drug Administration believes there is evidence strong enough to support this claim.
"Heart-healthy eating is about making good choices," Fitzgerald says in a statement. "What you want to do is work to include more whole grains, more fruits and vegetables, low-fat and no-fat dairy products, as well as lean protein sources."
Also heart-smart are foods high in omega-3 fats -- such as salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel -- and foods high in fiber -- such as beans, oatmeal and barley, Fitzgerald says.
Fitzgerald suggests reviewing labels to see if a product offers the cholesterol-lowering benefits of plant sterols and stanols. These cholesterol-lowering substances are being added to products like margarine and salad dressings.
A food labeled as "reduced" in sodium has 25 percent less salt than the original product, Fitzgerald adds.
Cathy Fitzgerald of the University of Michigan says seeing "may reduce the risk of heart disease" on the label is an assurance the U.S. Food and Drug Administration believes there is evidence strong enough to support this claim.
"Heart-healthy eating is about making good choices," Fitzgerald says in a statement. "What you want to do is work to include more whole grains, more fruits and vegetables, low-fat and no-fat dairy products, as well as lean protein sources."
Also heart-smart are foods high in omega-3 fats -- such as salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel -- and foods high in fiber -- such as beans, oatmeal and barley, Fitzgerald says.
Fitzgerald suggests reviewing labels to see if a product offers the cholesterol-lowering benefits of plant sterols and stanols. These cholesterol-lowering substances are being added to products like margarine and salad dressings.
A food labeled as "reduced" in sodium has 25 percent less salt than the original product, Fitzgerald adds.
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
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This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
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