Energy: The energy needs of an individual varies with age, sex and physical activity. Obesity, which is one of the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, develops when energy intake is more than the energy expense. If your body mass index is over 25, you are over weight. So it is always advisable to have a normal ideal body weight. If you are over weight or obese, measures like weight reduction should be taken to maintain desirable body weight. Since the fats are calorie dense foods, it intake must be restricted and like wise carbohydrate intake must be limited. The diet should be adequate in protein. But very low calorie diets can result in physical, psychological and pathological consequences.

Fats: Dietary fat is important to ensure the optimum quantity and quality of fat in the total diet. Fat should provide a minimum of 15% of total calories and its quality should be such that it furnishes adequate linoleic acid and linolenic acid (essential fatty acids). High intakes of total fat and saturated fatty acids promote cholesterol synthesis to raise serum very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol increase the risk atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Adequate intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) lowers blood cholesterol. The long chain omega 3 PUFA present in fish and fish oils are very good for the body.

In Indian diet the invisible or fat rich in PUFA is provided from cereals, millets, pulses, spices and vegetables. People in the middle age having one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease should restrict fat intake to the minimum level of 20 gm / day. In general vegetable fats are better than animals fat with exception of fish fat which is very good. Like wise among vegetable source coconut oil and hydrogenated oils promote cholesterol synthesis and there by raise serum cholesterol.

Linoleic acids in various oils

Oils	Linoleic acid
Safflower, sunflower, corn and cotton seed	> 50 %
Rice bran, Ground nut, Rape seed, Mustard oil	20 - 40 %
Palm oil	10 %

Mustard and soya bean oils contain alpha linolenic acid 5 - 10 %

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates and fats are related to each other in the metabolism and hormonal control. Excessive consumption of carbohydrate will increase the blood cholesterol level. Reducing the daily carbohydrate intake such as starches and excluding sugars such as sucrose, fructose and lactose controls this endogenous synthesis of cholesterol.

Proteins: Plant proteins have been found to have a cholesterol lowering effect as compared to animal protein. Adequate protein is recommended for daily requirement.

Dietary fibre: Dietary fibre especially soluble fibres reduce triglyceride absorption, increase bile acid out put and decrease LDL and total cholesterol. Eating oat bran or bean diet reduces high blood cholesterol.

Beverages: A high intake of coffee and cola will elevate serum cholesterol levels. Caffeine containing beverage should be restricted since it may aggravate irregular heartbeats.

Salt: Sodium is an essential element and is needed for the body for the various activities. But excess sodium is harmful and increases blood pressure. The major source of sodium in the diet is the common salt. Some foodstuff and processed foods also contain sodium.

Antioxidants: Antioxidant prevent oxidised LDL to attract monocytes and to the further formation of artherosclerotic plaques. Dietary intake of antioxidants including flavanoids naturally present in vegetables and fruits and vitamin E is associated with a decline in coronary heart disease.

Drinking water: calcium and magnesium or other trace elements in hard water may be beneficial to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Exercise physical exercise should be gradually increased. The exercise should be started gradually to suit an individual. Walking is a best exercise.

Cholesterol: The cholesterol intake should be restricted to 300 mg/ day. Foods rich in cholesterol example butter, egg, meat, organ meat and shell fish should be avoided or restricted.