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Dr. Abhishek Singh

Consultant - Cardiology

Manipal Hospitals, Ghaziabad

Does Nutrition Affect Heart Health?

Posted On: Apr 04, 2024

blogs read 5 Min Read

How Does Nutrition Affect the Heart Health?

How does nutrition affect Heart Disease?

Absolutely! When it comes to maintaining heart health, a balanced and nutritious diet plays a crucial role. Manipal Hospitals Ghaziabad has some of the best cardiologists or heart doctors to help you find the best care for your loved ones. Here's a breakdown of how the two are intricately linked.

 

Nutrients for a Healthy Heart: Certain nutrients are particularly beneficial for heart health

These include:

  • Fiber

Found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, fiber helps lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels.

  • Unsaturated fats

Opt for healthy fats like those found in avocados, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish. They can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL).

  • Potassium

This mineral helps regulate blood pressure and counteracts the effects of sodium. Look for it in bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach, and lentils.

  • Magnesium

Important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and muscle function, magnesium is found in dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and avocados.

To know more about nutrition and heart, consult with our best cardiologist in Ghaziabad.

Foods to Limit: Excessive intake of certain foods can harm your heart health

These include:

  • Saturated and trans fats

Found in fatty meats, processed foods, and fried foods, these fats contribute to high cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease.

  • Added Sugar

Sugary drinks, sweets, and pastries can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and inflammation, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.

  • Excess Sodium

Too much sodium can raise blood pressure, so limit processed foods, canned goods, and excessive table salt intake.

Dietary Patterns for Heart Health

At Manipal Hospitals, doctors work in sync with other team members and clinically qualified dieticians to guide you towards improving your health and maintaining your post-treatment wellness. These days many diet plans have become popular such as:

  • Mediterranean Diet

Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and healthy fats while limiting red meat, saturated fat, and added sugar.

  • DASH Diet

Designed to lower blood pressure, it focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein while limiting saturated and trans fats, red meat, sugary drinks, and salt.

  • Flexitarian Diet

Encourages mostly plant-based meals with occasional inclusion of lean protein sources like fish or poultry.

While it is okay to experiment with different food types for a change of taste, it is advisable to seek clinical advice before starting on any diet plans. Especially if you have a preexisting condition or health concern. 

Conclusion

  • Individual needs may vary, so consulting a registered dietitian or healthcare professional can help tailor a heart-healthy eating plan based on your specific conditions and preferences.

  • Consistency is key. Sticking to a healthy diet most of the time, even with occasional indulgences, is more beneficial than sporadic restrictive eating.

  • Enjoying your food and making sustainable changes are crucial for long-term success. Explore new recipes, involve loved ones in meal planning, and find healthy alternatives you truly enjoy.

By making informed choices about what you eat and incorporating these heart-healthy diet tips into your lifestyle, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and promote overall well-being. Book an appointment now to get the best cardiology hospital in Ghaziabad to get the finest treatment as well as tips on healthy food for heart.

FAQ's

Fasting is not for everyone or body type. Asking a qualified diet consultant, such as those available at Manipal Hospitals can help you find the answer. 

While a change of diet can impact your overall health and well being, seeking medical advice is the best way to ensure heart health. Any drastic diet change without doctor advice can have adverse side effects.

While your diet has an impact on your health, your lifestyle, age, medication etc also play a crucial role. Planning diets on your own or after hearing of diet fads is never advisable. Seeking professional consultation is the right choice. 

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