The American Heart Association has released a scientific statement outlining the fundamental principles of dietary patterns that can improve cardiovascular health. In a recent article published in the Circulation journal, scientists discussed various clinical and cultural factors that could potentially impact long-term adherence to healthy dietary patterns in accordance with the American Heart Association’s recent criteria. They also proposed strategies to promote heart-healthy diets.
The 2021 dietary guideline by the American Heart Association emphasizes a balance between energy intake and expenditure to avoid weight gain. The consumption of a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, as well as proteins from healthy sources such as plants, fish, and seafood, is vital for cardiovascular fitness. The guideline recommends minimal or no consumption of red meat, and lean cuts of poultry are preferred over processed forms. Additionally, low-fat or fat-free dairy products are preferred over full-fat products, and plant-derived oils such as olive oil, sunflower, and corn are recommended for cooking and seasoning.
Processed or ultra-processed foods, high-sugar beverages, and high-salt foods should be avoided, and alcohol should only be consumed in moderation. The most important aspect of this guideline is adhering strictly to all the recommendations, regardless of where food is prepared or consumed.
Scientists evaluated popular dietary patterns frequently consumed in the United States and aligned them with the American Heart Association’s 2021 dietary guideline. The DASH, Mediterranean, pescetarian, and vegetarian diets showed the highest alignment with the guideline, while vegan and low-fat diets also demonstrated good alignment. However, the very low-fat and low-carbohydrate diets had the lowest alignment with the guideline and could significantly negatively impact cardiovascular health.
To adopt a healthy dietary pattern, healthcare professionals should follow up with patients or consumers to identify potential misunderstandings and improve adherence to the American Heart Association’s guidelines. By implementing these guidelines and adopting heart-healthy dietary patterns, individuals may improve their cardiovascular fitness and overall health.
