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More than half of the adult population has blood cholesterol levels higher than the "desirable" range. High cholesterol levels often begin in childhood. Some children may be at higher risk due to a family history of high cholesterol.
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In general, you want your total cholesterol to be less than 200 mg/dl, because that level carries the least risk of heart disease. When the level is above 200 mg/dl, the risk for heart disease increases.
You should also know your levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL, also known as the "good cholesterol") and low density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad cholesterol"). Talk to your health care provider about what your cholesterol levels mean.
To lower high cholesterol levels:
- Limit total fat intake to 25% to 35% of total daily calories. Less than 7% of daily calories should be from saturated fat, not more than 10% should be from polyunsaturated fat, and not more than 20% from monounsaturated fat.
- Eat less than 200 milligrams (mg) of dietary cholesterol per day.
- Get more fiber in your diet.
- Lose weight.
- Increase physical activity.
The recommendations for children's diets are similar to those of adults. It is very important that children get enough calories to support their growth and activity level, and that the child achieve and maintain a desirable body weight
The following two sample menus provide examples of an average American diet and a low-fat diet.
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