Overweight children kept on a “nutritious” diet and encouraged to exercise during a two-week period showed a dramatic reduction in cholesterol and insulin levels, according to a study presented last week at the American Heart Association’s annual conference.
The children, aged 9 to 15, were kept on high-fiber, low-fat and low-cholesterol diets, rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains, with moderate amounts of lean protein.
After two weeks, total cholesterol levels fell on average 21 percent, while LDL (bad) cholesterol dropped 25 percent, said researchers from the University of California. Insulin levels also decreased around 30 percent.
The scientists, led by Dr James Barnard, claimed their study demonstrates that simple changes in diet and exercise, even after a very short period, can have significant protective effects against heart disease.
"We've known for a long time that obesity is related to the development of heart disease, but we really didn't know why. That's partly because for years scientists thought fat tissue was dormant, just a storage tank for excess calories. Now we know it's actually an endocrine organ, a very active factory that pumps out chemicals that stimulate the growth of plaque," said Dr Barnard.
He added that simple lifestyle changes can have beneficial results, and that children “didn't need to lose a lot of weight before reaping remarkable rewards for their hearts.”
by Lorraine Heller
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=66282-cholesterol-heart-health-obesity
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