Diet and coronary heart disease.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is rare in South African Blacks, even in urban dwellers, but very common in Whites. The disease is multifactorial in causation. Habitual pattern of diet undoubtedly is strongly involved. Epidemiological and other evidence suggests that for the primary and secondary dietary prevention of CHD, intake of fat (also cholesterol) should be reduced, with an increase in the polyunsaturated moiety, and obesity should be controlled. Less specific general recommendations are increased consumptions of unrefined or partially refined grain products, and fruit and vegetables. Controversies over interpretations of evidence, over dietary recommendations, and also over the changes of their adoption, are discussed.