Inflammatory foods to keep off your plate

Our diet must be taken seriously. It affects our health on many levels. A 2020 study adds a new argument for taking care of your diet. According to researchers from Harvard University in the United States, diets that lead to increased inflammation in the body increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. They published their work in November 2020 at Journal of the American College cardiology (JACC).

Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes

Researchers have found that an inflammatory diet puts you at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. “The potential for inflammation is significantly associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, compared to the 20% of the study population consuming the most anti-inflammatory diet.Dr. John Lee, a researcher in the Harvard Department of Nutrition and lead author of the study, noted. The 20% of the study population who ate the most pro-inflammatory diet had a 46% greater risk of heart disease and a 28% higher risk of stroke.

The researchers looked at data from a study that analyzed more than 210,000 people since 1986, a follow-up of 32 years. However, despite the length of the study and the number of participants, this research could help validate the relationship between certain foods and inflammation.

“Our study includes nurses and healthcare professionals only, and our study population was predominantly white, so it is important to extend and replicate our findings in other populations.Researcher relative. We are conducting a similar analysis in other groups with higher proportions of African American and Hispanic participants.”

Heart health: What foods to avoid?

The researchers point out that previous studies have shown that following a plant-based diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, leads to a lower risk of infections over time. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins is healthier than refined and processed foods.

“It’s really no surprise that plant foods that are mostly whole, low in fat, and known anti-inflammatories are still the way to go.Dr. Andrew Freeman, MD, cardiologist and director of cardiovascular disease prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, responded to U.S. Health Media hlandline. It is also not surprising that foods such as sugary drinks, meat, cheese, fatty foods, etc. are associated with worse outcomes.. “

Foods to avoid include sugary drinks, processed meats, and refined grains. “For this study, I would say that it is best to reduce your consumption of refined grains, especially fried grains [ainsi que] Red, processed and organic meats and sugary drinksJohn Lee continues. It would be impossible to say never eat these foods, but try to reduce your consumption of these foods and replace them with whole grains, plant sources or other healthy sources of protein, such as fish. Also increase your intake of dark green and yellow leafy fruits and vegetables.. “