Dietary guidelines for healthy American adults. A statement for physicians and health professionals by the Nutrition Committee, American Heart Association.

This statement for physicians replaces the American Heart Association's Dietary Guidelines for Healthy American Adults, published in 1986. The current guidelines propose an optimal preventive diet for coronary heart disease. Emphasis is placed on reduction of both saturated fat and total fat. Complex carbohydrates are recommended as the major replacement for calories from fat. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats partially replace calories from other fat sources. Cholesterol and sodium guidelines are expressed with an upper limit on each. The use of alcohol as a possible means of preventing cardiovascular disease is not advised. Maintenance of recommended body weight by calorie control and physical activity is emphasized.