Keeping up with latest diet information and guidance on heart disease is an important part of reducing risk. Seek information from trusted resources to ensure that the recommendations you read about online should be adopted. Let’s briefly peek into what leading experts say about the connection between diet and heart disease.
Plant Protein
Last July, the British Medical Journal boosted the plant protein movement. It published a study showing that a diet rich protein from peas, beans, lentils, whole grains, and nuts has been linked to lower risks of developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. In this systematic review of over 30 studies, researchers found an association between plant protein and reduced risk of mortality from heart disease. Just another reason to have a plant.
Potassium
Experts agreed that potassium needed to have a place on the revised food label. This was so folks, especially those with heart disease, could clearly understand how much potassium they were consuming throughout the day. Some individuals need more potassium. Others who take medications or suffer from certain heart conditions need to reduce their intake. Either way, potassium plays a significant role in heart health.
Omega Fatty Acids
The American Heart Association recommends consuming fish twice per week. Research shows that the omega fats found in fish lower incidence of heart attack, coronary heart disease, and mortality from heart disease. Luckily, there are many ways to enjoy fish. It cooks faster than you may realize and is convenient even on a busy weeknight.
Cholesterol
Messaging about cholesterol is confusing. First things first: cholesterol measured in your blood (serum cholesterol) is not the same as dietary cholesterol. Elevated serum cholesterol is a marker of heart disease, and is a result of unhealthy lifestyle patterns. While a diet moderate in dietary cholesterol is recommended, dietary cholesterol intake doesn’t directly impact serum cholesterol levels. Therefore, experts recommend a diet that lowers overall heart disease risk, but not specifically one low in dietary cholesterol.
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