HEALTHCARE organisations have come together to clear up conflicting advice about how to stay healthy and avoid heart attacks.
Thirteen groups have produced a consensus statement, Nutrition and Heart Health, which is aimed at ending confusion caused by differing advice.
"Because of the extent of coverage devoted to health matters, there can, of course, sometimes seem to be conflicting messages, leading to confusion about healthy choices," the Minister of State for Health, Mr Brian O'Shea, said yesterday.
"Healthy eating is one of the most important factors impacting upon heart health and it is important that there is no doubt in people's mind as to the best approach to be taken in such an important area," he said.
Prof Ian Graham, chairman of the committee, said the statement provides clear guidelines which should help remove any existing confusion.
The 13 bodies with an interest in nutrition and health care, including the Irish Heart Foundation, Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute, Royal College of Physicians in Ireland and the Department of Health, agreed eight healthy eating recommendations. There recommendations are
. Eat a wide variety of foods
. Maintain a healthy weight
. Eat less fat, especially saturated fats
. Eat more bread, cereals, potatoes, pasta and rice
. Eat more vegetables and fruit
. Choose sugary foods and drinks less often
. Eat less salt
. If consuming alcohol, keep within sensible limits.
However, diet is only one component of a healthy lifestyle and additional recommendations include avoiding smoking, taking regular exercise and having occasional blood pressure checks.
Mr O'Shea said cardiovascular disease is the single greatest cause of mortality in Ireland and it is therefore important that steps are taken to improve the duration and quality of life enjoyed by the population.
Heart disease is one of the three main causes of premature mortality. Targets to reduce the death rate from the disease by 30 per cent over the next 10 years can only be achieved if everyone takes the healthy lifestyle message on board, the Minister said.