About Dietary Guidelines

According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 80 million Americans are affected by some type of cardiovascular disease. However, there are positive steps those affected by heart disease can take in order to improve their health condition. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that there is credible evidence to support a qualified health claim that consuming oleic acid in edible oils, such as Omega-9 Canola Oil, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Although many consumers say that they simply try to eat healthy in general, 23% of consumers say they actively seek out foods or follow a diet for health benefits. Most often the benefits they seek are weight loss, energy, digestive health, and heart health.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans summarized the need aptly when they called for replacing bad fats, such as trans and saturated fats, with good fats, such as mono and polyunsaturated fats. Trans and saturated fats are considered “bad fats” because they increase LDL or bad cholesterol, which research has shown increases risk of coronary heart disease. On the other hand, monounsaturated fats provide health benefits, such as protecting against metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.