Plant-rich vegetarian or vegan diets and heart health
Plant-based diets are now more common than ever. Whether that means you are a vegan, vegetation, or are on any other plant-based diet – eating in this manner can be good for your heart. According to research, 4.5% of the entire UK population now have a vegan or vegetarian diet – meaning that there are over 3 million adults and children (over 18 months) eating these diets1. This way of eating has many benefits to our overall health and wellbeing, but how can it be more beneficial for your hearts health? Keep reading to find out!
If you are eating mostly, or only, fruits, vegetables, nuts, pulses, whole grains, and meat substitute products, various studies have shown that plant-based diets have been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure2, when compared to a meat-rich diet. While there is no concreate evidence to suggest that adapting your diet to be 100% plant-based will have any significant impact on your hearts health in particular, maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet is very beneficial to your overall health. There are many types of plant-based diets, and anyone can eat in this way without completely changing their diet.
Types of plant-based diets
The three most common plant-based diets are:
- Vegan: eating nothing that is the product of an animal (eggs, meat, dairy).
- Vegetation: eating no meat.
- Pescatarian: eating no meat, but eating fish.
Some people even refer to themselves as ‘flexitarians’, whereby they occasionally eat meat or fish.
Eating a plant-based diet
By eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you will be consuming more phytonutrients – the natural compounds found in these foods. Phytonutrients have beneficial effects to the bodies overall health3. Try to make subtle changes to your diet, and focus on eating as healthily as you can! You do not need to turn vegan overnight… just take note that fruits and vegetables are high in minerals and vitamins, which contribute to good heart health. B1 in particular, which is present in foods like cauliflower, oranges, potatoes, asparagus, kale, and many others, helps to support healthy heart function.
You can reduce your chance of developing high blood pressure by consuming less high-calorie, processed, or high-sodium foods. Your risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke can increase if you have high blood pressure. Remember, you can still enjoy these types of food while protecting the health of your heart if you consume them in moderation.
By eating smaller amounts of foods which are high-calorie, processed, or have a high salt content, you will decrease the risk of high blood pressure. Having a high blood pressure can increase your risk of heart disease or stroke. By eating these types of foods in moderation, you can still enjoy them whilst knowing that you are taking care of your hearts health!
Heart healthy supplements
The supplements in the Kwai Heartcare range were developed to contribute to the health of your heart. By eating a heart-healthy plant-rich diet, and taking note of the foods which you eat, in combination with Kwai’s range of heart health supplements, you’ll be on the path to a healthier you in not time!
Kwai Heartcare – helps maintain a healthy heart, supports healthy cholesterol levels, and contains vitamin B1 which contributes to normal heart function.
Kwai Heartcare+ – contains Japanese black garlic, allicin and vitamin B1 to help maintain a healthy heart, support cholesterol levels, and contribute to a resistance against temporary stress.
Kwai Blood Pressure – a blend of nutrients specifically selected to help maintain normal blood pressure and heart muscle function.
If you are concerned about your heart health or if you are experiencing worrying symptoms, please contact a GP or local hospital. For more information on Kwai products, and to keep up to date with the latest blogs, visit us here.
Sources
2 Heart
3 Nourish