Atherosclerosis: What to eat?
Researchers agree that diet plays a critical role in both the development and treatment of atherosclerosis. Cholesterol is the major component of atherosclerotic plaque, and numerous studies correlate high levels of blood cholesterol with atherosclerosis. Research indicates that atherosclerosis can be slowed and even reversed by lowering cholesterol in the blood—particularly the levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), the bad type of cholesterol.
Elevated triglycerides, another type of lipid that circulates in the blood, also may contribute to atherosclerosis. People with diabetes tend o have high triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which may explain why diabetics are so vulnerable to heart disease.
Limit total fat intake.
Dietary treatment for atherosclerosis entails limiting total fat intake to 20 to 30 percent of calories, with saturated fats (found mostly in animal products and palm, coconut, and palm kernel oils) comprising no more than 10 percent of calories. In addition to limiting saturated fats, experts suggest reducing intake of trans fatty acids and hydrogenated fats. These trans fats are the result of hydrogenation and are known to raise your LDL cholesterol, Trans fats come in packaged foods such as cookies and crackers and snack food such as chips. Some experts advocate even more stringent fat reduction; these include Dr. Dean Ornish, the cardiologist who has developed a comprehensive lifestyle approach to treating heart disease, which combines a healthy low-fat diet with exercise and methods for dealing with stress. His atherosclerosis-reversal regimen limits fat calories to 10 percent of the diet and virtually eliminates saturated fats.
Antioxklants may help. Studies indicate that beta carotene and vitamins C and E may protect against atherosclerosis by preventing LDL cholesterol from collecting in atherosclerotic plaque. Regular intake of soy protein may raise HDL cholester’ol (the “good” cholesterol) as well as provide antioxidant protection.
Many studies are looking at homocysteine, an amino acid (one of the building blocks of protein) that some scientists say is as risky or maybe even riskier than cholesterol. High levels have been shown to damage the lining of the artery walls, potentially leading to a buildup of plaque. Folate as well as vitamins B12 and B6 appear to help lower homocysteine leyels.
Diet is not the only factor that contributes. Maintaining an ideal weight, abstaining from smoking, increasing exercise, developing effective methods of coping with stress, and keeping blood pressure and blood sugar levels within normal limits are also important.
