Search

The term “prudent diet” has been in use to describe the fat- and cholesterol-controlled diet followed by subjects participating in the anticoronary program of the New York City Department of Health since 1957. This diet as do diets used in similar studies elsewhere curtails the intake of eggs, whole milk, and whole milk-based dairy products, liver, shellfish, and commercial pastry products. Lean meats are permitted but preference is given to fish which is recommended for use at least four or five times a week. With the advent of new products, such as 99% fat-free milk, cholesterol-free egg products, and highly polyunsaturated margarines, diet modification for the average consumer is becoming an easier task. Attention of the food industry is focused on needs still remaining unfilled such as reduced-cholesterol eggs in a natural form, leaner beef, pork, and lamb, and formulated and prepared foods, snack products, and pastry products made using polyunsaturated oils. The availability of such products would facilitate the public's adherence to the recommendations made by the American Health Foundation, i.e., limiting fat intake to 35% of calories, consuming isocaloric levels of poly to mono to saturated fatty acids and limiting cholesterol intake to 300 mg per day.