The correlation of Heart Disease and a whole grain, plant-based diet
Understanding the underlying issues
Cardiovascular disease involves health problems such as strokes, as well as blood vessel and heart diseases. It is scary to learn that heart attacks, the chronic condition angina as well as coronary heart disease is one of the primary causes of death in most parts of the world. In fact, approximately 15% of all deaths can be directly attributed to some cardiovascular disease. This is closely followed by strokes and the inescapable reality is that a lot can be done by eliminating or at least reducing some of the risk factors simply by following a healthy diet. Ongoing research over several decades has indicated that eating whole grain foods and those which are rich in fiber and coming from things such as barley and oats have a strong correlation with healthier cardiovascular systems.
Research has indicated that adequate amounts of whole grains in your daily diet can reduce the possibility of heart disease by as much as 40% which is just as much as the benefit derived from statin drugs but with without any chemical side effects.
What is known
After extensive research the recommendations given to people is that fats are replaced with carbohydrates because it is believed to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease because whole grains will improve plasma lipids. However whole grains are not only an excellent source of carbohydrates since products such as rice, wheat and oats contains a lot of protein as well as many essential fatty acids which allows it to have a beneficial and unique combination of a whole range of antioxidants, micronutrients and phytochemicals as well as fiber. The problem when it comes to grains and related products in many developing countries is the fact that most of those things are highly refined and in that process, the outer layer containing the bran and the inner layer containing the germ become separated from the middle layer which contain the starchy endosperm and because of this process most of the fiber and other nutrients are lost.
The first mention of a whole-grain diet
Just over 30 years ago a man by the name of Dr. Hubert Carey Trowell, British physician suggested that a diet rich in whole grains can be an effective way to protect an individual against a whole range of coronary heart diseases. Dr. Trowell firmly believes that the protective effect was contained in the whole-grain. Further studies in subsequent years have clearly indicated that the healthy intake of cereal fiber could be closely connected with reduced rates of coronary heart disease. This has led to more research which would further confirm that the consumption of whole-grains is strongly correlated with a noticeably reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Other food sources such as wheat bran have also been found to significantly contribute to the protection of the cardiovascular system. There are also studies which clearly show that the consumption of whole-grains can provide effective protection against obesity, diabetes, ischemic stroke, insulin resistance and premature death.
*The preceding material was for information purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for the treatment or diagnosis of any illness or medical condition. Any changes in diet or health regime should be discussed with your family practitioner or Certified Nutritionist.
