‘We are what we eat’

Press, 27 September 1988, Page 19

‘We are what we eat’

"Food may be a good way to a man’s or woman’s heart but we are what we eat,” said Dr David Hay, Medical Director of the National Heart Foundation. The Heart Food Festival is aimed to help consumers make sound choices and to promote healthier nutrition.

“We are not saying that some foods are good and some are bad. We are simply identifying products that have been submitted to us which meet certain criteria concerning fat, sugar, salt and fibre content. “We make no claims that any food product will prevent heart disease. We are helping those who purchase food to choose products which are consistent with the national nutrition guidelines. “These were estab-

lished in 1981 for the adult population and have not been promoted as much as they should have been. In simple terms they are to eat a variety of foods, keep a healthy weight, use only a little sugar, eat less fat, have plenty of fibre, eat little salt, and take care with alcohol. “The foundation is committed to the prevention of heart disease and we are encouraged that mortality rates from coronary heart attacks have fallen by about 25 per cent in the last 20 years. This is partly because of better treatment but it also reflects improvement in eating patterns and reduced smoking. Our aim is to go on improving these figures and implementing the nutrition guidelines will l help to achieve this,” said Dr Hay.