Beliefs about Food Components, Foods, Fat and Heart Disease in New Zealand Available to Purchase

Coronary heart disease is a serious problem in New Zealand. Diet and health guidelines for the public have been published, but levels of awareness of health recommendations vary. Some New Zealanders may lack knowledge about foods and food components. This national survey (1,500 people) investigated New Zealanders′ awareness of recommended dietary changes and beliefs about foods and food components and heart health. A total of 835 people, a response rate of 56 per cent, answered the survey. Results showed that most were aware of some health recommendations, e.g. “eat less fat”, but that many were unaware of recommendations relating to carbohydrate intake. Most respondents (65 per cent) believed that protein intake should be increased. A high percentage (61 per cent) felt that reducing preservative consumption would help to prevent heart disease. It was suggested that many foods should be decreased, including meat, whole milk, cheese and white bread. Many respondents were confused about the fat contents of foods, with some foods rated as high fat which were low in fat (sugar, white bread)and some high fat foods perceived as not high in fat (margarine,vegetable oil). It is suggested that health educators should note existing beliefs and views about foods and food components and target areas of confusion in future health education initiatives.