Reduced Risk for Coronary Heart Disease

   Dietary Saturated Fat. While many factors affect heart disease, diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of this disease.
   Soluble Fiber. Soluble fiber as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.
   Soy Protein. Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams (g) of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease.
   Plant Sterol Esters. Foods containing at least 0.65 g per serving of plant sterol esters, eaten twice a day with meals for a daily total intake of at least 1.3 g as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.
   Plant Stanol Esters. Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include two servings that provide a daily total of at least 3.4 g of plant stanol esters in two meals may reduce the risk of heart disease.
   Whole-Grain Foods. Diets rich in whole grains and other plant foods and low in total fat saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers.

Reduced Risk for Hypertension

   Sodium. A diet low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
   Potassium. Diets containing foods that are a good source of potassium (and that are low in sodium) may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Reduced Risk for Cancer

   Dietary Fat. The development of cancer depends on many factors. A diet low in total fat may reduce the risk of some cancers.
   Fiber-Containing Grains. Low-fat diets rich in fiber-containing grain products, fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer.
   Fruits and Vegetables. Low-fat diets rich in fruits and vegetables (foods that are low in fat and may contain dietary fiber, vitamin A or vitamin C) may reduce the risk of some types of cancer.

Reduced Risk for Osteoporosis

   Calcium. Regular exercise and a healthy diet with enough calcium helps teens and young adult white and Asian women maintain good bone health and may reduce the high risk for osteoporosis later in life.

Reduced Risk for Birth Defects

   Folate. Healthful diets with adequate folate may reduce a woman’s risk of having a child with a brain or spinal-cord birth defect.

Reduced Risk for Tooth Decay

   Dietary Sugar Alcohol. Full Claim: Frequent between-meal consumption of foods high in sugars and starches promotes tooth decay. The sugar alcohols in this food do not promote tooth decay. 
   Shortened claim: Does not promote tooth decay.

Joanne Adamidou, MS, is a dietetic intern and full-time nutrition assistant at The Ohio State University Medical Center.

Source: Adapted from the Food and Drug Administration website, www.fda.gov.

Reprinted with permission from IDEA Health and Fitness Association, www.ideafit.com.