Summary: Some foods increase the risk of coronary heart disease, others may protect against it. Uncontrolled diabetes can contribute to coronary heart disease.
Oily fish, fruit and vegetables, garlic, some oils including olive oil, fibre from wholegrain cereals, legumes and soy, nuts and seeds and tea may help protect against the disease.
A small intake of alcohol is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease in some people.
Food is directly involved in many of the risk factors for coronary heart disease. Paying attention to what you eat is one of the most important preventative measures you can take.
Risk factors for heart disease A number of factors are associated with the build-up of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries, including cigarette smoking, lack of physical activity and a family history of the disease.
Other risk factors include:
Type of fat eaten – saturated and trans fats increase blood cholesterol and heart attack rates. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats lower the risk of heart attacks. Obesity – many overweight and...
Uncontrolled diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance In healthy people, insulin keeps the blood sugar level relatively constant. However, for the 25 per cent of Australians vulnerable to type 2 diabetes, the body gradually loses its sensitivity to insulin. This leads to chronically ...
Cholesterol levels and dietary fats Cholesterol is a fat that is crucial to many metabolic functions and is an essential part of all the body’s cell membranes. Cholesterol ...
