Teaching
children from a young age to eat healthy fats can have
lifelong health benefits according to a new study
published in the American Heart Association's journal
Circulation in August, 2007.
The study focused on over one
thousand children in Findland who were followed from the
age of 7 months through age 14. The researchers found
that children who were taught to focus on the healthy
fats found in fish, nuts, seeds, and plant oils had
slightly lower cholesterol levels compared to children
who ate an unrestricted diet by the time they reached
the age of 14.
Dr. Art
Labovitz, cardiology director at Saint Louis University
School of Medicine pointed out that even a small
decrease in cholesterol levels can have a big influence
over the course of your child's life. "If you study
large numbers of people, the small increments result in
a significant change in heart attacks and cardiac
deaths," said Dr. Art Labovitz.
Dr. Harri
Niinikoski, lead author of the study done at the
University of Turku in Finland, said children begin
forming their eating and lifestyle habits in childhood.
"We think that this lifestyle change can be started
early," he said.
Dr. Sarah
Blumenschein, a pediatric cardiologist with the
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, said
the study shows that early intervention is the key to
maintaining a healthy lifestyle. "The earlier you
intervene, the more likely you are going to be
successful," she said.
The key is to
teach your children, starting as young as possible, to
appreciate the healthy fats found in fish, nuts, seeds,
and plant oils. By eating a little less meat and
avoiding the saturated fats and trans fats which are in
most processed foods, fast foods and junk foods - your
children will lower their total fat intake and enjoy
more of the benefits that healthy fats have to offer. As
your children grow into their teens and begin eating
more meals away from home, their healthy habits will
guide them towards healthier food choices when
unsupervised.
We encourage
parents everywhere to read the nutrition information on
the foods that their children eat. The healthy fats are
listed as unsaturated fats, monounsaturated and
polyunsaturated fats. The unhealthy fats are listed as
saturated fats, partially hydrogenated oils, and trans
fats.
Wholefood
Farmacy foods are rich in heart healthy fats which are
found in nuts, seeds, and plant oils - and these foods
offer you a wonderful way to encourage healthy eating
habits with your children starting at a young age.
