Heart Healthy Diet : How Different Types Of Diet Impact Your Heart

Low-Carb Diet: Low-carbohydrate diets, such as the Atkins and ketogenic diets, advocate for reduced carbohydrate intake while increasing consumption of fats and proteins. While these diets may initially lead to weight loss and improvements in certain cardiovascular risk factors like blood glucose and triglyceride levels, their long-term effects on heart health are debated. Some studies suggest that low-carb diets may raise LDL cholesterol levels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly if they are high in saturated fats from animal sources. (Image Source: Getty)

Plant-Based Diet: Plant-based diets, which prioritise foods derived from plants while minimising or excluding animal products, have gained traction for their potential cardiovascular benefits. By emphasising fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and limiting intake of processed foods and saturated fats, plant-based diets may help lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and inflammation—all key risk factors for heart disease. Research indicates that plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease and experiencing cardiovascular events. (Image Source: Getty)

DASH Diet: Another dietary regimen gaining recognition for its cardiovascular benefits is the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. Designed to lower blood pressure by reducing sodium intake and promoting foods rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, the DASH diet champions fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. The research underscores its effectiveness in reducing hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease, through mechanisms such as improved arterial function and reduced oxidative stress. (Image Source: Getty)

The Mediterranean Diet: A Heart's Symphony At the forefront of heart-healthy eating patterns stands the Mediterranean diet, renowned for its abundance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, along with moderate consumption of fish, poultry, and dairy. Rich in antioxidants, fibre, and monounsaturated fat. This diet has been extensively studied and consistently linked with a reduced risk of heart disease. The Mediterranean diet's emphasis on plant-based foods, coupled with the cardioprotective properties of olive oil, contributes to improved cholesterol levels, blood pressure regulation, and overall cardiovascular health. (Image Source: Getty)

Paleo Diet: The paleo diet mimics the presumed dietary patterns of our ancient ancestors, focusing on whole foods such as meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds while excluding processed foods, grains, legumes, and dairy. While proponents claim that the paleo diet can lead to weight loss and improved metabolic health, its impact on heart health remains uncertain. Critics argue that the high intake of animal fats and proteins in the paleo diet may elevate cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease if not balanced with plant-based foods. (Image Source: Getty)

Inputs by Dr. Vishal Rastogi, Director, Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute Okhla, New Delhi. (Image Source: Getty)