Nutritional recommendations for cardiovascular patients

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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Western countries, accounting for nearly 30% of all deaths worldwide. In fact, dietary interventions allow for better combinations of foods and nutrients. Therefore, a healthy diet shows more beneficial effects than the effects of a single nutrient supplement. This article provides useful nutritional recommendations for patients with cardiovascular disease.

1. Heart disease and food for people with heart disease

Diets high in saturated fat promote the formation of plaque in your arteries and make it easier for these plaques to rupture and cause an immediate blockage. When this occurs in the coronary arteries that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart, symptoms develop.
A plant-based, low-fat whole food diet helps with recurrent heart disease and significantly reduces short- and long-term consequences. This is the only way of eating that has been scientifically proven to prevent and reverse heart disease, not only helping to end the chronic aspect of the disease but also improving quality of life and increasing longevity:
In one study, patients in a randomized controlled trial with moderate to severe heart disease following a plant-based low-fat diet (in addition to other lifestyle changes) demonstrated remission of coronary atherosclerosis at 1 year and continued remission at 5 years and had less than half the number of cardiovascular events compared with patients receiving usual care.
198 consecutive coronary heart disease patients who switched to a plant-fat low-fat diet in addition to their usual cardiovascular care regimen experienced only 1 major cardiac event of them at an average of 3.7 years of follow-up, The recurrence rate was only 0.6 %.

2. A heart-healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease

While you probably know that eating certain foods can increase your risk of metabolic cardiovascular disease, changing eating habits can often be difficult. Whether you've had years of unhealthy eating or you simply want to tweak your diet, here are eight heart-healthy diet tips. Once you know which foods to eat more of and which foods to limit, you'll be on your way to a heart-healthy diet.
2.1. Control your portion sizes How much you eat is just as important as what you eat. Eating too much, eating quickly, and eating until you're full can lead to overeating more calories than you need.
You can follow some simple tips to control portion sizes that can help you shape your diet and also your heart and waistline:
Use small plates or bowls to help control your food rations. Eat plenty of low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Eat small amounts of high-calorie, high-sodium foods, such as refined, processed, or fast foods. Tracking portion sizes is equally important. A few things to keep in mind: A serving is a specific amount of a food and is determined by common measurements like cups, ounces, or pieces. For example, one serving of pasta is about 1/3 to 1/2 cup, or about the size of a hockey puck. One serving of meat, fish or chicken is about 54 to 82 grams, or about the size and thickness of a deck of cards. The recommended number of servings for each food group can vary depending on your specific diet or guidelines you're following. You may need to use measuring cups and spoons or scales until you are used to dividing each food item.

2.2. Eat more vegetables and fruits Plant-based nutrition, containing substances that can help prevent cardiovascular disease. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help you cut down on higher-calorie foods, such as meats, cheeses, and snacks.
Vegetables and fruits can be easily added as a good source of vitamins and minerals. They are also low in calories and high in fiber. Fruits and vegetables, like other plants or fruit foods, in your diet. Store washed and chopped vegetables in the refrigerator for a quick snack during the day. Keep the fruit in a bowl in the kitchen or where you can easily see it so you'll remember to eat it. Choose recipes that include vegetables or fruit as the main ingredient, such as vegetable stir-fries or fresh fruit mixed into a salad.
2.3. Choose whole grains Whole grains are a good source of fiber and other nutrients that play a role in regulating your blood pressure and heart health. You can increase the amount of whole grains in your heart-healthy diet by simply substituting for refined grain products. Or venture out and try a new whole grain, such as whole-grain farro, quinoa, or barley.
2.4. Limit unhealthy fats Limiting how much saturated and trans fat you eat is an important step in lowering blood cholesterol and reducing your risk of coronary heart disease. High blood cholesterol levels can lead to a build-up of plaque in your arteries, known as atherosclerosis, which can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
The American Heart Association offers the following guidelines for how much fat to include in a heart-healthy diet:
The 2020-2025 Diet guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat to less than 10% of total daily calories.
There are simple ways to cut back on saturated and trans fats:
Cut back on fat or choose lean cuts of meat with less than 10% fat. Use less butter and margarine when cooking. Use low-fat alternatives when possible for a heart-healthy diet. For example, toss baked potatoes with low-sodium salsa or low-fat yogurt instead of butter, or use sliced ​​fruit or low-sugar fruit on toast instead of margarine. Regularly check the food labels of cookies, cakes, cookies, crackers, and chips. Not only are these foods low in nutritional value, some — even those labeled reduced fat — may contain trans fats. Trans fats are no longer allowed to be added to foods, but older products may still contain them. Trans fats may be listed as partially hydrogenated oils on ingredient labels.
When you use fats, choose monounsaturated fats like olive oil or canola oil. Polyunsaturated fats, found in some fish, avocados, nuts and seeds, are also good choices for a heart-healthy diet. When used in place of saturated fat, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats will likely help lower your total blood cholesterol. But using it in moderation is essential because all fats are high in calories.
An easy way to add healthy fats (and fiber) to your diet is to use ground flaxseeds. Flaxseeds are small brown seeds that are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that flaxseed lowers unhealthy cholesterol levels in some people. You can grind flaxseeds in a coffee grinder or food processor and stir a teaspoon of them into yogurt, apple sauce, or hot cereal.
2.5. Choose low-fat protein sources Lean meat, poultry and fish, low-fat dairy products, and eggs are some of your best sources of protein. Choose lower-fat options, such as skinless chicken breast instead of fried chicken pieces, and skim milk rather than whole milk.
Fish is a good substitute for high-fat meats. Certain types of fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower blood fats called triglycerides. You'll find the highest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and herring. Other sources include flaxseeds, walnuts, soybeans and canola oil.
Legumes - beans, peas and lentils - are also good sources of protein, low in fat and cholesterol-free, making good substitutes for meat. Substituting plant protein for animal protein — for example, a soy or pea burger for a hamburger — will lower your fat and cholesterol levels and increase your fiber intake.
2.6. Reduce salt in your food Eating too much salt can lead to high blood pressure - a risk factor for heart disease. Limiting salt (sodium) is an important part of a heart-healthy diet. The American Heart Association recommends that:
Healthy adults have no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day (about a teaspoon of salt) Most adults ideally have no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day Although reducing the amount of salt you add to foods on the table or during cooking is a good first step, but most of the salt you eat comes from canned or processed foods, such as soups, pies, and dinners Frozen. Eating fresh foods, making soups or stews can reduce salt intake.
If you like the convenience of canned soups and prepared meals, look for those with no added salt or reduced sodium. Be wary of foods that are said to be lower in sodium because they are seasoned with sea salt instead of regular table salt - sea salt has similar nutritional values ​​as regular salt.
Another way to reduce salt intake is to choose seasonings carefully. Many spices are available in reduced sodium versions and salt substitutes that can add flavor to your dishes with less sodium.
2.7. Plan, create a daily menu You know which foods to include in your heart-healthy diet and which ones to limit. Create a daily menu using the six strategies listed above. When choosing foods for each meal and snack, emphasize vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Choose sources of lean protein and healthy fats, and limit salty foods. See your portion sizes and add variety to your menu choices.
For example, if you eat grilled salmon one evening, try a black bean burger the next night. This will help ensure that you're getting all the nutrients your body needs. Variety also makes your meals and snacks more enjoyable.
2.8. Give yourself a treat every now and then. A candy bar or some chips won't compromise your heart-healthy diet. But don't let it be an excuse to give up on your healthy eating plan. Remember the exception is still the exception and it can't be the rule, you will balance things out in the long run. It is important that you always eat healthy foods.
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References: healthline.com, doctorsfornutrition.org, mayoclinic.org