While eating your way to a lower risk of heart disease might sound too good to be true, a doctor shared that certain foods are definitely up for this job. Packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, “minimally processed” foods could see your risk of heart disease fall by 25 percent. Here are the food groups that could help get this job done.
The doctor recommended the following six food groups for reducing your risk:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Beans
- Nuts
- Seeds.
These six plant-based food types are all rich in fibre, anti-inflammatory compounds, vitamins and minerals, making them the perfect candidates for good heart health.
Dr Kassam said: “They are also low in saturated fat which is the main nutrient responsible for raising blood cholesterol levels – the most important driver of heart disease.
“The nutrients in plant foods help to keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels low and keep our gut bacteria healthy.
What’s more, research, published in the journal Antioxidants, even found that consuming soy flour rich in the protein B-conglycinin reduced high cholesterol and other lipid levels by as much as a whopping 70 percent, which was comparable to simvastatin – a medication designed to target the fatty substance.
While these foods show some promising benefits on their own, the expert recommended ensuring a variety in your diet.
Dr Kassam said: “It is important to centre the diet around healthy plant foods, while greatly limiting the consumption of animal foods and processed foods in general.
“The closer you get to a fully plant-based diet, while making sure you include a variety of different colourful foods, the better for your heart.
“In general, a healthy plant-based diet can reduce the risk of heart disease by at least 25 percent.”
