NUTRITION IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Dietary habits in developed countries favor the development of cardiovascular diseases. A diet rich in saturated fats and cholesterol leads to a deposition of cholesterol and other fats in the arteries.

One should prioritize the intake of unsaturated fats to the detriment of saturated fats, as it prevents cardiovascular health. The reduction of cholesterol and saturated fat is one of the most important steps in the prevention of these diseases, combined with the practice of physical exercise and healthy habits.

There are factors related to the development of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes and increased blood levels of cholesterol (LDL). These deserve special attention since they are the ones that have the greatest benefits from nutritional interventions.

In this way, a change in eating habits, based on the calorie needs of each individual, with a slight caloric restriction in cases of obesity and overweight, in the reduction of consumption of foods rich in saturated fat, hydrogenated  and cholesterol, reducing salt and simple sugars, and increasing dietary fiber and antioxidants, represent specific nutritional interventions for cardiovascular diseases.