Grazing Key to Lower Cholesterol

New research suggests that spreading your meals throughout the day can help cut cholesterol levels significantly.

Researchers at the Institute of Public Health, Cambridge University studied the eating habits of over 14,000 adults and classed them according to how often they ate during the day.

Those who ate six or more times a day showed cholesterol levels 5% lower than those who ate two meals, even though overall fat and energy intake were often higher.

Professor Kay-Tee Khaw commented, "It seems that it might be more healthy to split up meals into smaller amounts and eat them more frequently".

Whilst a difference of 5% may not sound significant, it would be expected to lower rates of coronary heart disease in the general population by between 10% and 20%.

Edith Maskell of Bromley health Management commented, "Once again, this study shows that healthy eating isn't about calorie counting or fad diets - it's about getting a balanced mix of nutrients and changing the way you eat to suit your body, not just what you eat.

Saturday, 2 February 2002