When there is a buildup of fatty substances like cholesterol in your artery, coronary artery disease will be caused. Following a diet that reduces bad cholesterol will highly assist you in managing signs of coronary artery disease and will also slow down the progression of the disease. Stay away from coronary artery disease just by following the diets that we mentioned below.
What is coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a medical condition, caused by the blockage of the coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, a combination of fat, cholesterol, or other substances. We call this process atherosclerosis, which is reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, and results in breast pain, shortness of breath, or some coronary heart disease symptoms.
A heart attack will be caused when plaque ruptures. Further, coronary artery disease is also linked with risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Managing coronary artery disease involves dietary modification, lifestyle changes, and medications.
Why eat a healthy diet with coronary artery disease?
Over time, coronary artery disease will slowly get worse, so it is crucial to follow a healthy diet. Also, when plaque forms in your arteries, there will be reduced blood flow to the heart. Due to this reduced blood flow to the heart, certain signs of coronary artery disease like chest pain and shortness of breath will be caused.
If these conditions are left untreated, it may also lead to a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest. At times, bypass heart surgery will help you against coronary artery disease, but it is better to prevent it before it arrives by following a healthy diet.
What foods should you eat with CAD?
Along with medication, diet modifications can lead to better outcomes. Try to follow the below-mentioned diet to avoid the signs of coronary heart disease:
– Fresh fruits and vegetables:
To avoid heart disease and help prevent a heart attack, try following a plant-based diet. Both fruits and vegetables contain healthy vitamins and nutrients, further which will contribute to a healthy heart, also these foods are low in calories, which will assist you in maintaining a healthy weight. They are a great source of fiber, fruits, and vegetables that help in lowering cholesterol levels.
Try to eat a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, or else try low-sodium canned vegetables, to avoid coronary artery risk factors. Only prefer non-fresh fruits that are packed in juice or water. Avoid those packed in heavy syrup, which contains excess amounts of sugar and has a huge calorie count, to avoid the signs of coronary artery disease.
– Whole grains:
Consuming whole grains can also contribute to heart health and potentially reduce the negative impacts of coronary artery disease. Whole grains are also a dense source of nutrients like fruits and vegetables and an excellent source of fiber. Due to this, they can assist in regulating your cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Further, to potentially prevent coronary artery disease, visit the cardiac surgery hospital Coimbatore.
Some of the best choices include:
- 100 percent whole-grain breads
- High-fiber cereals
- Brown rice
- Whole-grain pasta
- Oatmeal
Some of the grains to be avoided are white bread, frozen waffles, donuts, biscuits, egg noodles, and cornbread to stay away from the signs of coronary artery disease.
– Healthy fats:
If you are a person with coronary artery disease, you might think that all fats are bad, but that’s not true. Actually, consuming healthy fats in moderation can be good for heart health. These healthy fats will reduce cholesterol levels and protect against the signs of coronary artery disease.
Simply, monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats are healthy fats, they are found in:
- Olive oil
- Canola oil
- Flaxseed
- Avocados
- Nuts and seeds
– Lean protein:
Simply by consuming protein, your overall health can be benefitted. So just choose proteins that are less in fat. The healthy protein options include certain types of fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This includes herring, salmon, and other cold-water fish.
Other healthy protein sources include:
- Eggs
- Soybeans
- Peas and lentils
- Lean ground meats
- Skinless poultry
By consuming the above-mentioned proteins, you potentially prevent the signs of coronary artery disease.
What are the foods to be avoided with coronary artery disease?
Managing your cholesterol, high blood pressure, and weight is crucial if you have coronary artery disease. Further, following these steps can improve your overall health. You should avoid high-fat and high-sodium foods to avoid the signs of coronary artery disease. High-fat foods include:
- Butter
- Gravy
- Non-dairy creamers
- Fried foods
- Processed meats
- Pastries
- Junk foods
Most of the above-mentioned foods have high sodium, which can also worsen coronary artery disease by contributing to high blood pressure. Some other foods to avoid are:
- Mayonnaise and ketchup
- Table salt
- Packed meals
- Outside foods
Healthy tips to eat with coronary artery disease:
Here are a few simple diets when living with coronary artery disease:
– Reduce food portions: Minimizing your food quantity can help you consume less amount of calories, fat, and sodium to stay away from the signs of coronary artery disease.
– Keep fruits and vegetables ready: Always keep fresh fruits and vegetables in your fridge. Eat them as a mid-time snack in between meals to combat the signs of coronary artery disease.
– Read food labels: Practice the habit of reading food labels to avoid consuming large amounts of fat and sodium and to avoid the signs of coronary artery disease.
If you’re struggling with coronary artery disease, consider doing coronary bypass surgery in Coimbatore to live a healthy life with confidence.
Bottom Line:
In conclusion, we can say that diet plays a significant role in the prevention of coronary artery disease. Simply, by following a heart-healthy diet like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can reduce the signs of coronary artery disease, like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity. Also, avoiding processed foods, over salt, and sugars, and minimizing saturated and trans fats, further helps in maintaining optimal cardiovascular health. By opting for these dietary habits, people can potentially reduce their risk of developing coronary artery disease and promote overall heart health.