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Easy Steps to Lower Cholesterol All Year Long Honey Nut Cheerios Reveals the Buzz on Cholesterol (ARA) - Most Americans know that just a few simple steps can lead to lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of heart disease, but the majority could use a serious jump start. According to "The Buzz on Cholesterol," a national survey conducted by Honey Nut Cheerios, 72 percent say they would be more likely to purchase a food product that is proven to help lower cholesterol, but many don't know exactly which foods fit the bill. With Honey Nut Cheerios, people can start the day off on the right foot, since it now helps lower cholesterol and yet offers the same honey sweet taste everybody loves. "The Buzz on Cholesterol" asked Americans about health, nutrition and food choices to better understand their attitudes about healthful products. While many consumers understand why they should make changes in their diet to help lower their cholesterol, knowledge doesn't always lead to action. Consumers say they know that certain foods can have a positive impact on their heart health, but most simply aren't incorporating them into their diet. For example, while 86 percent of survey respondents recognize that some cereals can help lower cholesterol and cite breakfast as an essential meal, only one-third actually eat breakfast more than three days per week. Making lifestyle changes seemed to be the biggest barrier to lowering cholesterol levels. When asked what would make lowering cholesterol easier, respondent answers included everything from "a magic pill" to "having a personal chef." According to "The Buzz on Cholesterol" survey, more than 50 percent of women incorrectly identified cancer as their greatest health threat. In reality, heart disease is the number one killer of both women and men in the United States. Furthermore, less than four out of ten respondents know their cholesterol level and 41 percent didn't know that blood cholesterol levels above 250 mg are considered high cholesterol. "Adding heart-healthy foods, as suggested by the American Heart Association, can have positive effects on your heart health over time, and it's easier than people think," says Liz Nordlie, Honey Nut Cheerios brand manager. "You don't have to suddenly change everything about the way you eat. In fact, many great tasting foods that can help lower your cholesterol are already in most people's cupboards, such as Honey Nut Cheerios cereal, which has been given the American Heart Association 'Heart Check' because it is a heart-healthy food." As part of a low-fat diet, 3 grams of soluble fiber daily can help reduce blood cholesterol; Honey Nut Cheerios provides .75 grams of soluble fiber in a 1-cup serving. "There's no 'magic pill' but adding foods like Honey Nut Cheerios can help you lower cholesterol without sacrificing taste," Nordlie says. An easy first step toward a heart-healthy diet is to eat more foods that provide soluble fiber. Foods containing soluble fiber include everyday favorites, such as apples, oranges, pears, carrots, oatmeal, rye bread,and Honey Nut Cheerios cereal.
You Are What You Eat
Courtesy of ARA Content EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information, contact Liv Lane, General Mills, (763) 764-4830, liv.lane@genmills.com or Grete Krohn, Carmichael Lynch Spong, (612) 375-8534, gkrohn@clynch.com. Survey note: The "Buzz on Cholesterol" survey was conducted on behalf of General Mills by Hunt Marketing/TMP Direct. Six hundred U.S. adults over the age of 35 responded during December 2001. This survey has a margin of error of +/- 4 percent.
Honey Nut Cheerios is a registered trademark of General Mills, Inc.
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