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Dietary Guidelines for Children
According to recent statistics, 75% to 90% of the cardiovascular disease epidemic is related to hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, obesity and physical inactivity. It is estimated that the principal causes of these risk factors are adverse behaviors, including poor nutrition.
The strategies for primordial prevention, or preventing the development of cardiovascular risk factors include education, health policy, and environmental change to support optimal nutrition and physical activity. As the atherosclerotic process begins in youth, is strongly recommended that children and all other members of their households actively take into consideration these strategies.
First of all, calorie-dense foods and beverages having minimal nutritional content must be avoided and considered as occasional discretionary items in an otherwise balanced diet. Children's nutrition must ensuring adequate intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, and mostly based on foods that are rich in nutrients and that provide increased amounts of dietary fiber. That means inclusion of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish and lean meats.
For children older than two years, the strategy preventing the development of cardiovascular risk factors must include:
- balancing dietary calories with physical activity to maintain normal growth,
- one hour daily of moderate to vigorous play or physical activity,
- reduced intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and foods,
- daily intake of vegetables and fruits (with limited juice intake),
- use of vegetable oils and soft margarines low in saturated fat and trans fatty acids instead of butter or most other animal fats,
- consumption of more whole grain breads and cereals rather than refined-grain products,
- increased consumption of fish (especially oily fish, broiled or baked),
- daily use of nonfat (skim) or low-fat milk and dairy products,
- reduced salt intake, including salt from processed foods.
NOTE: The Information on this site is provided for information only,
and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other medical professional.
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