The American Heart Association (AHA) on Tuesday outlined 10 key features of aheart-healthyeating pattern.
The organizations new scientific statement, titled 2021 Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health and published in the journal Circulation, emphasizes the importance of overall dietary pattern, rather than individualfoodsor 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.
According to the group,the statementreflects that a poor diet is strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death.
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.
Eating healthy 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.
In addition, for the first time, the AHA summarizes evidence that addresses sustainability and enumerates several challenges that make it more difficult to adopt and maintain a heart-healthy eating pattern.
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Ten dietary tips to reduce heart disease and stroke risk - New York Post
