Heart-related problems are often triggered by risk factors such as excess abdominal fat, diabetes, high blood pressure, and lipid issues, all of which are closely tied to dietary habits. Therefore, modifying one's diet plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health.
Emerging Diet Trends For Good Heart Health
Here are some emerging trends in diet for improving heart health as suggested by Dr Saurabh Deshpande, Consultant, Cardiology & Cardiac Electrophysiology (Heart Rhythm Specialist), Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre:
Plant-Based Diets
Plant-based diets are a relatively recent concept consisting of two common subsets – Vegetarian and Vegan. It comprises superfoods including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and animal based food.
Keto Diet
“This is a diet in which there is a severe restriction of overall carbohydrate content. It’s found useful for weight reduction but the effects on heart health are yet to be confirmed,” said Dr Saurabh.
Time-Restricted Eating
“This is also known as intermittent energy restriction or intermittent fasting. There is a limited time in the day allotted for consumption of the food, with a long duration of fasting for the rest of the time. It’s found useful for weight reduction but the effects on heart health are yet to be confirmed,” said Dr Saurabh.
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Additional Diet Tips
- Follow a healthy diet pattern, rather than focusing on individual nutrients.
- Include plenty of colourful fresh fruit and vegetables (called “eating the rainbow"). Avoid canned/preserved forms.
- Eat healthy sources of protein like legumes, nuts, soybeans and soy products (like soy burgers and soy tofu). Eggs, non-fried fish and seafood, also provide healthy fats, low-fat dairy products, and lean/ unprocessed poultry.
- Incorporate liquid plant oils such as soybean, corn, safflower, sunflower, walnuts, and flax seed in your diet.
- Avoid trans-fatty acids.
- Reduction in sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages.
- “No guidelines recommended to start alcohol intake for heart health but if chosen to consume limit to moderate intake, under the guidance of your doctor,” said Dr Saurabh.
- Control the portion sizes and avoid overeating.
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