It's important to establish healthy eating habits in your children. Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say they're encouraged by new research that shows children on low-fat diets can lower their cholesterol levels without running the risk of stunting their growth. Lowering the amount of fat and cholesterol in childhood could reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease in adulthood.
Atherosclerosis begins in childhood.
Pediatric cardiologists say there has been concern that putting children on a low-fat diet would prevent normal physical development. However, the preliminary evidence says that a low-fat diet is safe for children. Researchers add that not all children need to be on a low-fat diet. However, if there is a family history of early heart disease or elevated cholesterol, it's a good idea for everyone in the household to follow a low-fat diet. Parents need to pay attention to the amount of fat their children get at home, when eating out, and in their school lunches.