This may come as a shock but it’s time to put those keto and paleo diets to the back of the pantry.
A study by Melbourne’s Monash University, has found a moderate carbohydrate intake is of cardiovascular benefit for women, aged 50 to 55.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women with poor diet recognised as both an independent CVD risk factor and a contributor to other CVD risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and dyslipidaemia.
However, the research found that in middle-aged Australian women, increasing the percentage of carbohydrate intake was significantly associated with reduced odds of CVD, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity.
Furthermore, a moderate carbohydrate intake between 41.0 per cent and 44.3 per cent of total energy intake, was associated with the lowest risk of CVD compared to women who consumed less than 37 per cent energy as carbohydrates.
Not all carbs are equal
The findings contradict much of the historical epidemiological research that supported a link between saturated fat and CVD. Instead, the results mirror recent studies where saturated fat was found to have no significant relationship with total mortality or CVD.
So, what is the best diet to prevent CVD?
Heart Foundation Manager, Food and Nutrition, Eithne Cahill, cautioned that “not all carbohydrates are created equal.”
“We know that quality carbohydrate foods such as vegetables and whole grains – including whole grain bread, cereals, and pasta – are beneficial for heart health, whereas poor quality carbohydrates such as white bread, biscuits, cakes, and pastries can increase risk,” she said.
“Similarly, different fats have different effects on heart health. That is why the Heart Foundation focuses on healthy eating patterns – that is, a combination of foods, chosen regularly over time – rather than a single nutrient or food. Include plenty of vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, and heart-healthy fat choices such as nuts, seeds, avocados, olives and their oils for cooking and a variety of healthy proteins especially seafood, beans and lentils, eggs and dairy.”
In short, for women, quality carbs, such as vegetables and whole grains, are good for your heart.
