Exploring Popular Food Trends

Nutritional hype and controversies have been discussed by researchers from the American College of Cardiology in this study around dairy products, legumes, added sugars, energy drinks, fermented foods, vitamin B12, Omega-3s, alcohol, and mushrooms.

Nutritional recommendations show a heart healthy diet should be high in vegetables, fruit, nuts, and whole grains in moderations, but there are many food groups that confuse people such as alcohol, coffee, dairy, and added sugars.

Studies have shown links between intake of dairy and increased LDL cholesterol, fractures and all causes mortality, as well as low fat dairy can lower blood pressure, there isn’t a clear consensus on dairy intake; after review of multiple meta analyses researchers determined that dairy should be consumed with caution, as it is unclear if there is harm or benefit, and it can serve as a source of salt and saturated fat within the USA.

Added sugars have been linked to increased risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and worsened atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Researchers highly suggest eliminating added sugars from diets as much as possible which includes processed foods, sports drinks, fruit drinks, and other sugar sweetened drinks.

Peas, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, beans, and other legumes have been shown to decrease coronary heart disease and improve weight, blood glucose, LDL-C, and systolic blood pressure.

Coffee being habitually consumed is associated with lower risks of all cause of death and cardiovascular mortality.

Without added sugars, milk, cream, or sweeteners black and green tea appear to be safe and have been associated with improved cardiovascular health and blood lipids.

Alcohol has a complicated relationship with CVD, low to moderate intake may be associated with decreased risk of total CVD., however increased risks of falls, cancers, and liver disease negates possible benefit.

Findings support consumption of plant based foods, legumes, mushrooms, Omega-3s, tea and coffee without added sugars, and low to moderate amounts of fermented foods, according to the researchers. While there is not a perfect dietary pattern for prevention of heart disease evidence continues to support reducing fat, salt, added sugars, processed foods, and limited amount of animal products.