Hook Up With Health

Teaching children from a young age to eat healthy fats can have lifelong  health benefits according to a new study published in the American Heart  Association’s journal Circulation in August, 2007.  

The study focused on over one thousand children in Findland who 

were followed from the age of 7 months through age 14. The 

researchers found that children who were taught to focus on the 

healthy fats found in fish, nuts, seeds, and plant oils had 

slightly lower cholesterol levels compared to children who ate an 

unrestricted diet by the time they reached the age of 14. 

Dr. Art Labovitz, cardiology director at Saint Louis University 

School of Medicine pointed out that even a small decrease in 

cholesterol levels can have a big influence over the course of 

your child’s life. “If you study large numbers of people, the 

small increments result in a significant change in heart attacks 

and cardiac deaths,” said Dr. Art Labovitz. 

Dr. Harri Niinikoski, lead author of the study done at the 

University of Turku in Finland, said children begin forming their 

eating and lifestyle habits in childhood. “We think that this 

lifestyle change can be started early,” he said. 

Dr. Sarah Blumenschein, a pediatric cardiologist with the 

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, said the study 

shows that early intervention is the key to maintaining a healthy 

lifestyle. “The earlier you intervene, the more likely you are 

going to be successful,” she said. 

The key is to teach your children, starting as young as possilbe, 

to appreciate the healthy fats found in fish, nuts, seeds, and 

plant oils. By avoiding the saturated fas and trans fats which are in  most processed foods, fast foods and junk foods – your children will  lower their total fat intake and enjoy more of the benefits that healthy  fats have to offer.   As your children grow into their teens and begin eating  more meals  away from home, their healthy habits will guide them towards  healthier food choices when unsupervised.  

We encourage parents everywhere to read the nutrition information 

on the foods that their children eat. The healthy fats are listed 

as unsaturated fats, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. 

The unhealthy fats are listed as saturated fats and trans fats.    

Wholefood Farmacy foods are rich in heart healthy fats which are 

found in nuts, seeds, and plant oils – and these foods offer you 

a wonderful way to encourage healthy eating habits with your 

children starting at a young age.    Great tasting Whole Food Farmacy foods, such as Phi Plus, Cornucopia,  and Bucky Balls can be easily introduced to your children.      Please note, many of the Whole Food Farmacy products are a combination  of wonderfully healthy ingredients therefore it is advisable to read the nutritional  information available on each product ahead of your purchase to prevent issues  children may have with food allergies.   Hook your children up with heart healthy meal replacements and snacks today!