What is a vegan diet? Curious about becoming a vegan? Here is what you need to know about the vegan diet.A healthy diet is the key instrument for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for adults living in the United States. Although genetic factors and family history play a major role in a heart diagnosis, changes to everyday lifestyle choices could assist adults looking to avoid the disease. This February is American Heart Month, a time when millions of Americans promote heart treatment and recovery. A balanced diet can also help those who are at risk for other diseases, such as Type-2 diabetes or cancer. HEART-HEALTHY FOODS: 15 ITEMS TO ADD TO YOUR GROCERY LIST TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE, OTHER HEALTH CONCERNSThe American Heart Association (AHA) outlined 10 key features of a heart-healthy eating pattern in February 2021. The organization’s scientific statement, titled “2021 Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health” and published in the journal Circulation, emphasized the importance of overall dietary patterns rather than individual foods or nutrients, as well as underscores the critical role of nutrition.The features listed, the AHA said, can be adapted to accommodate certain factors, including cultural traditions, food likes and dislikes, and whether most meals are consumed at home or “on-the-go.” The AHA has emphasized the importance of a total dietary pattern. (iStock)The statement indicated that a poor diet is strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death, according to the group.The importance of a total dietary pattern – rather than “good” or “bad” foods or nutrients – is emphasized, as well as the role of nutrition education. HEART HEALTH KEY TO TYPE 2 DIABETES PREVENTION: RESEARCHERSEating healthfully early in life and maintaining healthy habits are also underscored. “We can all benefit from a heart-healthy dietary pattern regardless of stage of life, and it is possible to design one that is consistent with personal preferences, lifestyles and cultural customs,” Alice Lichtenstein, chair of the scientific statement writing group, said in a statement.”It does not need to be complicated, time-consuming, expensive or unappealing.” Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. (iStock)10 steps that can help reduce the risk of heart diseaseBalancing food and calorie intake with physical activityChoosing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to eatChoosing whole grainsIncluding healthy sources of lean and/or high-fiber proteinUsing liquid non-tropical plant oilsChoosing minimally processed foods and avoiding ultra-processed foodsMinimizing the intake of added sugarsChoosing or preparing foods with little or no saltLimiting alcohol consumptionApplying the guidance no matter where food is prepared or consumedCLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERAdditionally, for the first time, the AHA summarized evidence that addresses sustainability and enumerates several challenges that make it more difficult to adopt and maintain a heart-healthy eating pattern. Eating more whole grains foods such as oatmeal is an integral part of a healthy diet. (iStock)Commonly consumed animal products, like red meat, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions that warm the Earth’s atmosphere and have the largest environmental impact in terms of water and land usage. However, the AHA highlights that not all sustainable diets are heart-healthy.BEHAVIORS THAT COULD CAUSE A HEART ATTACKThe association said that public health actions and policy changes are required to address societal challenges and barriers to adopting or maintaining a heart-healthy diet. Some of those challenges include widespread dietary misinformation, a lack of nutrition education in schools, food and nutrition insecurity, structural racism and neighborhood segregation and targeted marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP”Creating an environment that promotes and supports adherence to heart-healthy dietary patterns among all individuals is a public health imperative,” the statement said. Julia Musto is a reporter for Fox News and Fox Business Digital.
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