Why cholesterol levels must remain low

Circulatory diseases accounted for up to 46 per cent of deaths in 2000, yet despite this just 17 per cent of those surveyed last year had their blood cholesterol levels checked in the past three years, according to the Health Promotion Department.

High blood cholesterol is one of the risk factors of coronary heart disease because it sticks to the artery walls, produces fatty plaques and narrows the arteries.

The importance of keeping cholesterol levels low was discussed yesterday at a news conference to launch the new Flora pro-activ low fat spread in Malta.

Micallef & Zammit (Mktg) Ltd, local distributors of Flora, together with Unilever Bestfoods UK are also organising a free seminar on a healthy heart to coincide with the launch.

Unilever Bestfoods nutritionist Jacqui Morrell will be delivering the seminar today between 10 and 11 a.m. and on Friday between 10 and 11 a.m. and from 12.15 to 1.15 p.m. at the cinema of St James Cavalier, Valletta.

Flora pro-activ has been clinically proven to reduce LDL, or bad, cholesterol levels, by 10-15 per cent in a matter of weeks when accompanied by a healthy diet. It has been safety approved by the EU and endorsed by the World Heart Federation.

This new product, being distributed in 85 per cent of outlets, is enriched with plant sterols that lower blood cholesterol. Plant sterols are natural substances found at low levels in foods such as nuts, beans, fruit and vegetables.

Ms Morrell said that about 20-25 grams of Flora pro-activ, about four to five level teaspoons, served to significantly lower bad cholesterol.

Health Promotion nutritionist Lucienne Pace pointed out that the recent Lifestyle Survey showed that 60 per cent of the population was either overweight or obese. "By simply opting for a spread containing plant sterols, one can actively reduce cholesterol levels," she said.

During her presentation, Ms Morrell said that being overweight, stressed and smoking, coupled with a sedentary life style, all contributed to heart risks.

Losing weight, regular exercise and having a healthy diet are all important ways of lowering cholesterol.

Maltese, she said, should go back to their Mediterranean roots and keep away from foods high in saturated fats such as fatty meat, high fat dairy products, doughnuts, sausages, cheeses and pastries.

Asked if eggs exacerbated cholesterol levels, Ms Morrell said unfortunately eggs had a lot of bad press in the past - eating about three to four a week did no harm.

It was also a misconception that liver sent cholesterol levels rocketing and she reiterated that people should steer clear of saturated fats.

"As always, moderation is the best attitude. The odd doughnut won't kill you as long as it does not become a staple of your diet," she advised.

Helpful tips

¤ Eat less saturated and trans fats:
Choose soft (vegetable-based) spread and oils that do not contain hydrogenated oils and are high in either polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats such as sunflower, soya, olive, rapeseed and corn.
Choose low-fat dairy foods and lean meat.
Eat less pre-prepared biscuits, pastries and cakes.

¤ Use cholesterol-lowering foods enriched with plant sterols.

¤ Try eating fish regularly. You should try to eat oily fish which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (herring, mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardines) at least once or twice a week.

¤ Aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables and eat pulses (like butter beans, red kidney beans and lentils).

¤ Eat regular meals based on starchy foods like pasta, grains, rice, potatoes and cereals. Choose wholemeal varieties where possible.

¤ If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

¤ Stop smoking.

¤ Lose weight if you are overweight.

¤ Aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days.

¤ Learn to control your stress.

¤ For more information contact the Health Information Centre on 2299 2376.