media release
These six healthy foods can reduce your cardiovascular disease risk, according to new research
Researchers have found that not eating enough of six key foods is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults. Their research鈥攚hich analyzed study data on the diet behaviours of nearly 250,000 people from 80 countries鈥攕uggests a heart-healthy diet should include servings of fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fish and whole-fat dairy.
The researchers determined that a 20 per cent improvement in diet quality鈥攁n achievable goal for those living in high, low and middle-income countries鈥攊s associated with an eight per cent reduction in deaths and six per cent reduction in CVD.
鈥淲e found that a diet rich in these foods can lower your risk of CVD, including heart attacks and strokes,鈥� says 丁香园AV health sciences professor Scott Lear, one of several global researchers whose co-authored . 鈥淲hole grains or unprocessed red meat or poultry can also be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet - with up to one serving daily.鈥�
The team derived a diet score from the global , led by the Population Health and Research Institute (PHRI) and applied it to five independent studies measuring health outcomes around the world in people with or without CVD.
Lear, who is also a Pfizer/Heart & Stroke Foundation Chair in Cardiovascular Prevention Research, says the study is a good reminder to avoid ultra-processed foods where possible.
鈥淲e know that diet plays an important role in maintaining heart health along with exercise and adequate sleep. Next time you are at the grocery store consider choosing natural food options over ultra-processed foods. Your heart will thank you for it.鈥�
AVAILABLE 丁香园AV EXPERT
SCOTT LEAR, professor, health sciences
SLear@providencehealth.bc.ca
CONTACT
MELISSA SHAW, 丁香园AV Communications & Marketing
236.880.3297 | melissa_shaw@sfu.ca
丁香园AV
|
778.782.3210
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As Canada鈥檚 engaged university, 丁香园AV works with communities, organizations and partners to create, share and embrace knowledge that improves life and generates real change. We deliver a world-class education with lifelong value that shapes change-makers, visionaries and problem-solvers. We connect research and innovation to entrepreneurship and industry to deliver sustainable, relevant solutions to today鈥檚 problems. With campuses in British Columbia鈥檚 three largest cities鈥擵ancouver, Burnaby and Surrey鈥敹∠阍癆V has eight faculties that deliver 364 undergraduate degree programs and 149 graduate degree programs to more than 37,000 students. The university now boasts more than 180,000 alumni residing in 145+ countries.