Some quotable "Quotes" 

Approximately 10,000 people die each year from cardiovascular disease (CVD) - including coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and other circulatory diseases. CVD is the most common cause of death in Ireland, accounting for 36% of all deaths. The largest number of these deaths relate to CHD - mainly heart attack - at 5,000. 22% of premature deaths (under age 65) are from CVD.” Source: Irish Heart Foundation

"A 'cardioprotective diet' reduces the risk of heart disease." Source: Irish Health – Heart Disease Clinic

"Cheddar is 80% of the cheese market in Ireland and the UK." Source: An Bord Bainne

“Cheddar cheese is a highly nutritious food with a wide range of critical proteins, essential amino acids, a great source of calcium and other important minerals, vitamins. However the medical profession advise the majority of their patients to eliminate or reduce their consumption of cheddar as it contains high levels of saturated fats that can affect cholesterol levels in the blood stream and consequently increase the risk of cardiac diseases”.

"Retail multiples in Ireland and the UK have discovered a clear consumer demand for healthy cheese products." Source: UKPTF

The Commercial Director of the main cheddar producer in Ireland claimed at a recent Enterprise Ireland conference on Innovation in Dublin that developing good tasting zero-fat cheddar would be like finding the “Holy Grail”.  

Other than low-fat, the areas of research advocated by consumers and health experts are low-sodium, low-calorie offerings, more soluble fibre, bio-available vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and satiability. Source: private research

“Dramatic shifts have taken place in consumer attitudes toward food; consumers seek to live longer, be healthier, and want more convenience products. The sedentry life-style and dietary habits of cultures across the developed and developing world are conducive to an increase in healt-related problems  such as problems such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart diesease, osteoporosis” (Ogden ete al., 1997; Beard et al., 1997; McCarron, 1997; Beilin, 1999; Cutler, 1999; Feldman and Schmidt, 1999; Korhonen et al., 1999, 2000; Cappucio et al., 2000; Kaplan, 2000; McCarron and Reusser, 2000; Popkin, 2005)

“Obsesity of children and related dieases including diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart disease are of major concern as the threat of an epidemic looms in many western countries including Europe and the USA” Source: EU health report

“On the positive side, there is evidence of  move to healthier lifestyles by a growing number of consumers. We have an increasingly educated population, pursuing healthier life-styles with the expectation to live longer active lives.” Source: Bord Bia research

“Bioactive functional foods that have been described as foods containing ingredients that provide additional health or nutritional benefits beyond basic nutrition levels, leading to possible reduction in the risk of contracting chronic diseases” Source: Enterprise Ireland policy document

“Most consumers prefer to limit their consumption of cheese i.e. continue with the normally tasting cheddar but reduce the quantities of cheese bought. This behaviour is affecting the sales of cheddar in many developed economies and is resulting is dietary deficiencies in bio-available calcium and magnesium with consequent bone density problems.” Source: Market research on cheese from Teagasc Ashtown and UCC.

“The growth in cheese consumption is being held back based on medical advice, because of the association with high dietary intake of saturated fats with the risk of chronic medical conditions. The development of healthy cheese alternatives as proposed, should contribute to the expansion in the market for cheese and impact positively on the health of the community.” Source: Innovation partnership application from Teagasc to Enterprise Ireland 
 
Source: www.heart.ie
1. “Heart disease and stroke are major killers in Ireland. They account for nearly 40% of Irish deaths each year. In 2005 alone some 10,000 people died from heart disease and stroke. Cancer (28%) and diseases of the respiratory system (14%) are the next biggest killers. Furthermore, Ireland's death rate from heart disease is one of the highest in Europe.”  

2. “Stroke is a major killer and cause of disability in Ireland. In 2005, 2,029 people died as a result of stroke - 885 men and 1,144 women.”

3. “There are currently over 30,000 people living with a stroke-related disability. One-fifth of these cannot walk as a result and half require assistance with daily living activities, such as washing and dressing.”

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“By 2020, heart disease and stroke will become the leading cause of both death and disability worldwide.” Source: World Health Organisation

“There is growing evidence that following a 'cardio protective diet' - that is, eating foods that protect the heart - can reduce the risk of heart disease. Less total fats, especially saturated fats and extra soluble fibre that will also help to reduce cholesterol levels” Source: IHF

“All fats are high in calories and should only be taken in small quantities. Reducing fat in the diet will reduce total calorie intake and help with weight loss. Saturated fats increase blood cholesterol. Remember: a 'cardio protective diet' reduces the risk of heart disease.” Source: www.heart.ie