Chapter 06 Special Diets LowFatLow Cholesterol Diet LowFatLowCholesterol

Chapter 06: Special Diets – Low-Fat/Low Cholesterol Diet

Low-Fat/Low-Cholesterol Diets • Fat is an essential part of our diet (can you remember why? ). • It is recommended that the average person reduce their fat intake to remain healthy. • There are healthy and unhealthy sources of fat, so we need to be aware of the types of fat we are eating, as well as the amount we consume.

High-Cholesterol Diet: Associated Health Problems • Obesity • Cardiovascular diseases, e. g. coronary heart disease • Stroke • High blood pressure • It can also aggravate diseases like diabetes and cancer

Coronary Heart Disease This occurs when the arteries of the heart become blocked with a substance called cholesterol. • Cholesterol is a fatty substance that clings to the walls of the arteries. • This causes the arteries to become narrower, which puts more pressure on the heart as it has to pump the blood through smaller vessels. • This can result in high blood pressure, heart disease or strokes.

Cholesterol Build-up in an Artery

Causes of Heart Disease • • • A history of heart disease in your family (hereditary) Being overweight or having a diet high in saturated fat Lack of exercise Smoking Stress Too much alcohol

How to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease • • • Follow a low-fat/low-cholesterol diet Avoid becoming overweight Do not smoke Avoid stress Take lots of exercise Do not drink alcohol excessively

Guidelines for Reducing Fat Intake Avoid high-fat sauces such as cream or cheese sauces Avoid pastries and cakes Choose low-fat dairy products Choose low-fat unsaturated spreads Grill, steam, bake or microwave instead of frying Eat lean meat, fish or poultry without the skin to supply protein • Trim excess fat from meat and cut down on red meat • Avoid fatty snack foods • Increase the intake of fruit and vegetables in the diet • • •

Simple Dietary Changes to Reduce Fat Intake High-cholesterol foods Butter Hard margarine Suet Lard Dripping Fatty meats (bacon, sausage, pâté) Cheese Cream Eggs, particularly yolks Low-cholesterol alternatives Unsaturated spreads Oils White and oily fish Chicken, turkey Pulse vegetables Cottage cheese Low-fat yoghurt Fruit and vegetables High-fibre cereals

Quick Revision 1. What are the risks of a high-cholesterol diet? 2. Can you list five risk factors associated with coronary heart disease? 3. Can you suggest three ways coronary heart disease can be prevented?