The gradual narrowing of the coronary arteries which cause heart disease usually
takes decades before the vessels are so obstructed that a heart attack or angina occurs.
And there is great concern that the process may start in childhood, since young
teen-agers killed in car accidents have been found to have streaks of fatty atheroma in
their arteries. It seems that the seeds of heart disease may be sown at an early age. For
this reason and because it is easier to start off with good habits than have to change bad
ones later on, parents should encourage their children to eat the right way for a healthy
heart. This makes a lot of sense, but it is important to remember, however, that young
children need a lot of energy for proper growth and development, as well as physical
activity. Encouraging a high level of physical activity may be of considerable
importance, as well as a sensible choice of foods. Since milk is such an important
source of nutrients for young children, experts suggest the skimmed milk should
not be used below the age of five years.