[georgepds]

So I heard that a Frito lay snack and cocoa puffs get the heart healthy seal of approval from the American heart association. Nah, I said to myself, someone has got to be exaggerating. Nope, I'm wrong, gold rolled pretzels and and cocoa puffs ( I still can't believe it) are good for your heart

Frito-Lay : Frito-Lay Works with American Heart Association to Launch Rold Gold Pretzels with "Heart-Check Mark" Logo
Heart Blog Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs

So, who else among us has sold their credibility for filthy lucre

[BlueSky]

It really is scary. The healthy heart check is given to foods that are obviously not good for us. There was recently criticism of this here in New Zealand, and the heart association defended its position by saying that a heart health check is given to a food in each category. So if the entire food category is is unhealthy, the least toxic one will get the heart association seal of approval. It is blatant commercialism. A bit like the ADA going into a partnership with Schweppes .

[fgummett]

Same here in Canada... companies pay to get a heart healthy symbol... to me it is a clear indication NOT to buy that product... but I'm sure many people fall for it; and think they are doing well by their family.

[BrianSCohen]

If you believe that the AHA is acting in the best interests of the American public you might want to lay off the cocoa puffs for a little while. Ignoring the point that the AHA recommends a diet that is wacko, the stamp of approval is really a revenue tool for the AHA. Companies pay AHA for this and it is a little like a corporate sponsorship program. The only requirement for certifying the product is that it be low fat and that it contain lots of grains. These sound like great products for diabetics!!

In some ways a good guide to eating healthy would be to look for the heart-healthy logo and avoid those foods.