Your bodies are exceptional pieces of machinery, performing countless tasks each day to keep you active and alive. At the center of this grand performance is the unassuming star, your heart. Ensuring its health allows you to benefit from a vibrant and healthy life. But for renowned cardiac expert Dr Dennis Doan , there’s a secret ingredient that keeps this star performer at its peak – a balanced diet.
The Constituents of a Balanced Diet For The Heart
But first, what does a ‘balanced diet’ entail? Such a diet requires you to consume a variety of foods from all food groups in the right proportions. This includes:
• Fruits and Vegetables – They are a rich source of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Whole Grains – They contain fiber which can help control blood sugar, improve bowel health, and possibly lower the risk of heart disease.
• Protein – Lean proteins can help maintain heart health. Options include fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins such as beans and lentils.
• Healthy Fats – Unsaturated fats (from avocados, olive oil, and nuts) are an essential part of your diet, helping reduce harmful cholesterol levels Dr Dennis Doan.
The Impact of a Balanced Diet In Your Heart
So how does consuming a balanced diet fortify heart health? Here are the insights:
• Weight Management – A well-balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in processed foods and saturated fats can help maintain a healthy weight. Overweight/obesity can lead to various heart-related conditions, including hypertension and atherosclerosis.
• Cholesterol Control – Including foods rich in fiber and healthy fats can help decrease LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol), a contributing factor to heart disease.
• Blood Pressure Regulation – Limiting sodium intake while boosting potassium intake via a balanced diet can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Hypertension is a significant heart disease risk factor.
• Blood Sugar Regulation – A balanced diet could help control blood sugar levels, which is crucial since diabetes increases the risk of heart disease Dr Dennis Doan.
