New Delhi: To battle the rising cholesterol levels in India, Nestle India has introduced a new skimmed milk - Nesvita Pro-Heart Omega 3 - complete with what it called a scientifically proven healthy and beneficial fatty acid.

According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Indians are likely to constitute 60 percent of the world's cardiac patients by 2010, and to battle this the product has been launched, said Mayank Trivedi, general manager (dairy) of Nestle India, here on Thursday.

Omega 3 is a type of fatty acid that is not produced by the human body. It is beneficial for the heart and reduces the incidence and gravity of cardio-vascular diseases.

Trivedi added: "The increasing cholesterol levels among Indians is a potential health risk. Our product will help in everyday cholesterol management and is easy to use."

"It is definitely the next breakthrough in the milk industry and is a big innovation in the Indian market. The benefits of Omega 3 are an addition to the regular milk that we drink in our day to day life," he said.

Bollywood actress Karishma Kapoor was also present at the event to urge Indians to eat healthier food and exercise.

"It is always better to do something about a health problem before it knocks at your door. My dad, uncle have very unhealthy eating habits. But my sister Kareena, my husband and I are very conscious eaters and it helps," Karishma told reporters.

A one-litre pack of the product costs Rs.40 after an introductory discount of Rs.5 and will be available across all metros. No television commercial is being used to promote the product, the company said. IANS