If you’ve watched the news the past day or so you probably heard the FDA flexing its watchdog muscles with General Mills, specifically Cheerios.
In a letter on May 5th, 2009 the FDA told General Mills that their label claim that Cheerios cuts cholesterol is in violation of FDA laws and may be misleading consumers. The FDA goes on to state that making these claims essentially makes Cheerios a drug.
Cheerios, a drug? Doesn’t quite sound right to me but maybe the FDA knows better.
Are Drugs the Only Way to Lower Cholesterol?
Although it’s good to see the FDA leaning a bit on food manufacturers who have for too long misused labeling and advertising claims to mislead consumers, I’m not sure how much good it will do.
You see, the fact that the FDA is saying the claims that Cheerios will help lower cholesterol makes it a drug is also a bit misleading. This makes the consumer falsely believe that the only real way to lower cholesterol is to use a pharmaceutical drug. This couldn’t be further from the truth and in fact there are many foods (backed by clinical studies) that do help to lower bad (LDL) cholesterol levels.
If you’re concerned about having high LDL levels then you should take a serious look at what you’re eating, lifestyle choices, and possible medical causes. If you’ve eliminated medical problems it makes sense to get active and change your diet.
Make Smart Eating Choices to Naturally Lower Your Cholesterol
There are certain foods that undoubtedly contribute to high LDL levels and others that help by their chemical makeup to combat these unhealthy high levels.
If you’re concerned about your cholesterol or health there are certain dietary considerations. In general, no matter what your health complaint you should include more of some foods and avoid others.
Foods to Avoid:
Refined, highly processed foods
Fatty, fried foods
Foods high in unnatural saturated fats (like foods in previous categories)
High-fat dairy products
Animal meats
Baked goods
Foods to Increase:
Whole foods
Fruits
Vegetables
Whole Grain, sprouted breads
Legumes
Nuts
Seeds
It’s a common mistake to avoid nuts and certain other whole foods (coconuts, avocados) because they are high in saturated fats. The body actually needs saturated fats too; it’s the source and amount that are vital to health.
It’s always best to fill your daily diet with as many fresh, whole foods as possible. Choose produce locally when you can to get it as fresh as possible and for the best price.
Back to Basics for Optimum Health
When you listen to the FDA and food manufacturers to decide what to eat to lower your cholesterol you’ll be running in circles. Get back to the basics and eat the way nature intended, from the sources Mother Nature provides.
When you make these fresh whole foods a part of your everyday diet you’ll shed weight, decrease bad cholesterol while increasing the good, feel more energetic, resist colds and flu’s and feel your vitality grow.