The cholesterol diet for young people serves many purposes. It is a teaching platform used as a foundation for lifetime health awareness and development. The diet involves living a heart-healthy life that consists of eating properly, developing an appreciation for food and using your body in a way that benefits your health.
Significance
According to the American Heart Association, one in three children in the United States is too heavy. Being obese or overweight are leading risk factors for developing heart disease. Obesity plays a role in psychological health, too. Extra pounds can lead to depression and low self-esteem.
Benefits
Young people are being diagnosed with traditionally adult-related health ailments at alarming rates, according to the American Heart Association. High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and type II diabetes have been increasing in young people. All of these conditions are leading risk factors for developing heart disease. Following a cholesterol diet will lower the chances that young people will develop these ailments.
Considerations
Portion sizes matter when following a cholesterol diet. Monitoring food intake and understanding what constitutes a serving size will help. A slice of bread, a domino-size portion of cheese, a 1/2 cup of rice or pasta, one small fruit, one melon wedge and 1 cup of dairy constitute a serving size.
Food Labels
The cholesterol diet emphasizes the importance of understanding food labels. Teaching children how to understand food labels can lead to a lifetime of healthy, informed decision-making, according to the American Heart Association. Understanding that food labels supply information on product ingredients, amounts and nutrients plays a role in developing a person who can be aware of nutrition. Labels also contain information on sodium, fat and cholesterol amounts, according to the American Heart Association.
Limit Trans Fats
Trans fats increase "bad" cholesterol levels. According to MayoClinic.com, trans fats hinder cholesterol levels by decreasing helpful cholesterol and increasing harmful cholesterol levels. The cholesterol diet recommends either avoiding trans fats or limiting foods containing it. Trans fats is found in products containing shortening or partially hydrogenated oils. Having young people avoid foods that traditionally contain trans fats will help. These foods include deep fried, processed, commercially prepared baked goods, convenience foods and junk food.
Encourages Physical Activity
Physical activity plays an essential role in the cholesterol diet. Presenting young people with a variety of activities and encouraging them to choose one that is enjoyable promotes good health. This helps development lifelong healthy habits, according to the American Heart Association. Being active burns calories, improves mental outlook, increases circulation and improves overall cardiovascular functioning. Physical activity fights sedentary living by limiting computer, tv and video game playing. A sedentary lifestyle increases cardiovascular disease risks. (see ref 3)
Potential
The cholesterol diet teaches young people how to eat for life. By eating varieties of whole grains, high-fiber foods, lean protein, vegetables, fruits and low or nonfat dairy foods, young people will develop life-long eating habits.
