Eating red, processed meat can increase your risk of heart disease – 5 heart-healthy foods to add to your diet – Times Now

Posted: Published on February 8th, 2020

This post was added by Alex Diaz-Granados

Eating red, processed meat can increase your risk of heart disease - 5 heart-healthy foods to add to your diet |  Photo Credit: Getty Images

New Delhi: People often argue that a vegetarian, or a vegan diet, maybe the healthiest diets for humans. These diets may reduce the risk of various diseases and disorders, and at the same time, maybe more environment-friendly. Others, however, argue that vegetarian and vegan diets can lead to certain nutrient deficiencies, especially of those nutrients which have limited, or close to zero plant-based sources.

Heart diseases are one of the most common conditions among people all around the world and are one of the leading causes of death, as well. The consumption of red meat has often been linked with an increased risk of heart diseases. However, findings of a study last year contradicted the connection, and it was found that people may not need to make changes in their diet with respect to red meat, in order to have a healthy heart.

Another study by Northwestern Medicine and Cornell University has found that red and processed meat consumption may slightly increase the risk of heart disease and death. According to the findings of the study, eating two servings of red meat, processed meat or poultry, excluding fish, per week, can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 3 to 7 per cent. On the other hand, two servings of red meat, or processed meat, and not of poultry or fish, in a week, could increase the risk of all causes of death by 3 per cent.

Red and processed meat include pepperoni, bologna, and deli meats. Red meat consumption, according to researchers has also been linked with a higher risk of cancer.

RELATED NEWS

Night-shift workers at risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes - How are the three conditions linked?

Study reveals pregnant women with high blood pressure face greater heart disease risk

Study reveals normal resting heart rate varies widely from person to person

According to the researchers, you must try to reduce your intake of animal protein, in order to keep your heart healthy. Fish, seafood and plant-based sources of protein can be great alternatives to meat. Here are 5 foods that are healthy for the heart, as proven by research.

According to the same study, a positive association between the consumption of poultry and cardiovascular disease was found. Even when more research is required to substantiate the claim, eating chicken grilled, boiled (and not fried in oil), and eggs, can help in keeping your heart healthy.

One is very unlikely to find chocolate on a list of healthy foods, but dark chocolate can always help you include one of your favourite food items on the list. According to a study, consumption of dark chocolate is inversely linked with the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in the general population of the United States of America. The data was adjusted for variables like age, gender, diet, lifestyle, etc.

Plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, etc are rich sources of fibre, which helps to reduce the bad cholesterol or LDL in the body. Lowering of LDL can considerably help in reducing your risk of heart diseases. Some common plant-based sources of fibre include leafy green vegetables, berries, chia seeds, flax seeds, almonds, tomatoes, beans, walnuts, and whole grains. Some of these foods, for example, berries and tomatoes, may also be rich in antioxidants, which also help improve heart health.

While we perceive fats as unhealthy, there are healthy fats, moderate consumption of which can be healthy for the body, and the heart, particularly. Including foods like avocados, olive oil, fish oil, and fatty fish in your diet can help you keep your heart healthy, and free of diseases.

One beverage, that can help with almost all your health issues, is the anti-oxidant rich, green tea. Green tea helps in detoxing your body, can help you lose weight, and is also healthy for the heart. Green tea can reduce inflammation, prevent cell damage, and reduce bad cholesterol levels in the body.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

Read more:
Eating red, processed meat can increase your risk of heart disease - 5 heart-healthy foods to add to your diet - Times Now

Related Posts
This entry was posted in Heart Diseases. Bookmark the permalink.

Comments are closed.