Honey Nut Cheerios Reveals the Buzz on Cholesterol

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

An important step toward decreasing your cholesterol begins with paying attention to the foods you eat. Honey Nut Cheerios offers these simple tips to "Bee Happy, Bee Healthy:"

* Start the day with a bowl of your favorite whole grain oat cereal. Honey Nut Cheerios is a great option for those who don't want to sacrifice great taste for health benefits. If you are in a rush, fill a small bag with cereal and take it to go!

* For lunch, try your sandwich on rye bread. Not only will this add flavor to your meal, rye bread provides heart-smart soluble fiber.

* Dress up your salad with something other than salad oil. Try adding kidney or garbanzo beans.

* For a quick snack, keep apples, baby carrots, pears and oranges on hand.

* Do your veggie sticks need pizzazz? Try them with hummus! Hummus is made from garbanzo beans and makes a great dipping alternative.

* Substitute soy nuts for other salty snacks.

* Use your favorite whole grain cereal to create your own trail mix. Dried fruit makes a great addition!

* Choose skim and other low-fat dairy products, or low-fat soymilk.

Additional Survey Findings

* Thirty-eight percent of women have not had their cholesterol checked within the last year; 13 percent have never had their cholesterol checked.

* Twenty-seven percent of men have not had their cholesterol checked within the last year; 16 percent have never had their cholesterol checked.

* When asked about whose cholesterol level they are most concerned about, 38 percent indicated their spouse, 35 percent indicated a parent.

* Nearly three out of 10 adults felt that adding foods that help lower cholesterol would mean sacrificing taste, but most (70 percent) would still be interested in incorporating them into their diet regardless of taste.

* Seventy-two percent would tell their spouse first if they successfully lowered their cholesterol.

For more information on Honey Nut Cheerios, visit www.cheerios.com.