You probably think heart disease is only a problem for “older” individuals. Unfortunately rates of children being diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol are on the rise. This is largely linked to rising rates of childhood obesity.
Childhood Obesity
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has more than tripled since 1980. Obesity in children between the ages of 6 to 11 years has increased from 6.5% to 19.6% and for adolescents between 12 to 19 years the rate has increased from 5.0% to 18.1%.
Also, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease in a sample population of 5 to 17 year-olds.
Here are two steps you can take today:
I know making meals a priority can be challenging with busy schedules, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Research consistently shows families that eat together eat healthier meals and better dietary outcomes. A family meal is strictly limited to the entire family being together. What’s important is that whoever is home or together takes the time to sit down and enjoy mealtime together. This means if one parent is at work the other can sit down for meal time with the kids.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found children who ate family meals are:
Plant sterols and stanols are not found at high levels in foods. For this reason food manufacturers have found ways to fortify foods with plant sterols and stanols.
Some foods that are fortified with plant sterols and stanols include spreads, juices, milk, breads, salad dressings, and yogurt.
I previously shared some information on the potential link between choline and coronary artery disease. Here’s a little more info on choline you may find useful:
Acetylcholine and lecithin are derived from the B vitamin choline. Acetylcholine may protect against some forms of age related dementia. In the early 1970’s and 1980’s, abnormal uptake of acetylcholine, synthesis, and release was identified in individuals with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. However, there has been a lacks of strong experimental support to validate these findings in recent years.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps
https://lisanelsonrd.com/howtolowercholesterol.html
Your children will follow your example. If you eat fruits and vegetables, they will likely eat fruits and vegetables. If you have soda for breakfast, they will likely have soda for breakfast. Children learn from the example you set.
Parents are role models for their children and have the greatest influence over their children’s lives. Children watch their parents to learn the appropriate behavior to imitate. This goes from basic manners to attitudes towards food. (FYI – Watch what you say about a food in front of your kids! Just because you may not care for broccoli, doesn’t mean they won’t learn to love it.)
A proposed link between the B vitamin choline and coronary artery disease is being explored. The relationship between choline and coronary artery disease (CAD) may involve the accumulation of homocysteine and the effect these concentrated homocysteine levels have on endothelial cells (inner layer of blood vessels).
Several studies indicate that homocysteine levels are a key contributor and primary risk factor for CAD. While on the flip side, several studies have shown no decreased CAD risk with a reduction in homocysteine levels.
So, the importance of choline in reducing the risk of coronary artery disease is debatable. Regardless, choline plays important roles in metabolism and normal cell function, so it’s worth knowing a little about this B vitamin.