Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tripoli University, Tripoli, Libya
Abstract:
It is well established that diet is the primary therapeutic approach for persons who are at increased risk of premature heart disease, as a result of elevated serum cholesterol levels (200 mg/dl). Several dietary recommendations to the public concerning the lowering of serum cholesterol level by diet and heart disease have been published in the last five decades. People are advised to reduce their dietary intake of fat, saturated fat and cholesterol and to increase their intake of functional foods. These functional ingredients include viscous fibers, fish, soy protein, plant sterols and nuts were reported to improve cholesterol and to decrease the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The effectiveness of diet is enhanced when individualized counseling is used, and body weight is controlled.