Mediterranean diet, best heart tonic
According to the study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, a Mediterranean diet - rich in vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and olive oil - is the only diet strongly associated with lower coronary heart disease risk.
Monounsaturated fatty acids were also reported to have a strong protective role in cardiovascular diseases. Fish and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids along with foods rich in vitamins E and C reduce the risk of heart disease to some extent.
The Western diet heavy in processed meats, red meat, refined grains and high-fat dairy, on the other hand, is bad for the heart, indicating that relying on foods with a high glycemic index or high in trans-fatty acids is harmful.
The list of bad foods, therefore, consists of starchy carbohydrates (white bread) and the Trans fats commonly found in many cookies and French fries.
Scientists are optimistic that their findings will guide individuals as to what they should eat and what they should not eat.
PKH/HGH
March 10, 2010