New Research on Nutrition and Cardiovascular Disease

From Medical News Today

The researchers found that consuming more plant-based foods and avoiding refined cereals and starchy foods can lead to better heart health than consuming predominantly animal-based foods. But the paper also drew some less obvious conclusions.

For one, the study found no strong association between full-fat dairy products and poor cardiovascular health. In fact, the authors note that consumption of certain dairy products could lead to decreased cardiovascular disease risks.  This, they theorize, may result from the probiotic effect of fermented dairy products. In their paper, the authors explain:

” The intake of probiotics plays an important role in improving the intestinal flora, favoring the growth of beneficial bacteria and reducing the risk of chronic illnesses, such as CVDs. In particular, probiotics have antioxidative, antiplatelet aggregation and anti-inflammatory properties, and may lower the level of cholesterol and blood pressure.”

Chocolate fans may also have reason to rejoice. The data seem to suggest a beneficial relationship between certain types of chocolate and CVDs. However, the authors note that the data are not entirely clear about the finer points.

“Unfortunately, most existing studies do not distinguish between dark and milk chocolate, and this may be relevant to reliably evaluate the dose-response relationship between different cocoa sources and CVDs.”

The research also found that up to three cups of coffee and tea per day may yield improved cardiovascular health. On the other hand, soft drinks do not; the authors recommend treating them as occasional indulgences rather than regular dietary staples.

Turning their attention to alcohol, the researchers concluded that “Moderate alcohol consumption can be allowed to people already utilizing alcoholic beverages, since consumption of up to two glasses of wine per day in men and one glass in women or one can of beer is associated with a significantly lower risk of atherosclerosis, in comparison to abstainers or to those consuming higher amounts of alcohol.”

Also of note, the team emphasizes the importance of pragmatic approaches to public and individual health. Rather than focusing on food items in isolation, they believe that a more holistic approach to dietary wisdom may prove more beneficial.