These diets are designed to reduce fat and cholesterol to levels recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). NCEP is made up of 40 private and governmental groups coordinated by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Fat is a major energy source for the body. However, it is not the body's only source of energy and too much fat in the diet can be harmful. It is especially bad for the circulatory system because it raises blood cholesterol levels that can contribute to heart attack. Both diets have the following goals:

Decrease dietary cholesterol
Limit sodium intake
Decrease total dietary fat, especially saturated fat
Decrease calories if needed to reach a healthy body weight
Increase intake of fiber and complex carbohydrates

The Step-1 diet is the first level of treatment for high blood cholesterol in most adults and children over the age of two. The Step-2 diet is more restrictive and is used when a person has any of the following:

A high blood cholesterol, even after following a Step-1 diet for 6 to 12 weeks
Evidence of arteriosclerosis (fatty deposits in the arteries)
A heart attack or stroke

Nutrition Facts

These diets are designed to meet the National Research Council's Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). For those who require weight reduction, the RDA can be met on a daily calorie level of 1200 for women and 1500 for men. However, if the patient requires a lower daily calorie intake, the physician may prescribe a multiple vitamin supplement.

Cholesterol

The heart pumps blood through blood vessels called arteries. This blood carries vital oxygen and nutrients needed by tissues and organs throughout the body. The heart itself is supplied with blood vessels called coronary arteries. When cholesterol levels rise above normal limits and stay high, some cholesterol is left behind in the arteries. Over the years, a hardened, waxy substance called cholesterol plaque builds up on the artery walls, and reduces or blocks blood flow. Organs supplied by these arteries then become damaged because they cannot get the oxygen and nutrients they need. For example, when blood flow to the brain is blocked, a stroke occurs. When plaque completely blocks a coronary artery, a heart attack takes place.

Cholesterol in the body comes from two sources. The liver makes most cholesterol from various nutrients and especially from saturated fats. The liver makes just about all the cholesterol the body will ever need. Since all animals can make their own cholesterol, some cholesterol in the human body comes directly from eating animal products. These foods include meats, egg yolks, organ meats, whole milk and milk products. This cholesterol is absorbed through the intestines and added to what the liver makes. It is also known that a diet high in saturated fat seems to increase cholesterol production in the body. Therefore, reducing dietary cholesterol and fats helps to keep blood cholesterol levels within a healthy range.