Young adults should watch their diet! A study from U of CA looked at LDL-cholesterol in >3,200 adults ages 18 to 30 years. (CARDI, Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adult study). Those with a high LDL-cholesterol were more likely to have health troubles down the road. There were increased calcium deposits build-up in coronary arteries as soon as 20 year later. This could be an early indicator of heart disease.
Natural cholesterol reducers are best to lower LDL-cholesterol in young adults rather than resorting to medications:
- Soluble fiber can bind cholesterol in the intestines: oats, legumes, flaxseed, barley, fruits (oranges, apples, prunes, etc.) and carrots
- Plant sterols (2 grams) daily (in Benecol margarine)
- Soy protein weekly (tofu, edamame, soy burgers, soy milk/cheese)
- Garlic
- Flaxseed, 1 tabelspoon daily
Family Health Tip: Raise your children with healthy foods prepared in healthy ways.
- Less saturated fat and no trans fats
- Use no-trans-fat tub, liquid or squeeze margarine
- Use liquid oils – canola, olive, etc.
- Eat nuts and fatty fish
- Eat less animal and dairy fat
More information: www.nhlbi.gov.
These are turkey subs that all young folks will enjoy: whole wheat sub rolls, low-fat turkey breast, light herb&gralic spread rather than mayonnaise, reduced-fat cheese slices, fresh tomatoes, green onions and roasted red peppers.
