A recent study warns that the typical Western diet, high in salt and low in fruits and whole grains, is becoming the leading preventable cause of heart disease.
According to experts, ultra-processed foods – rich in saturated fat, salt and added sugars – continue to significantly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and premature death.
However, the latest analysis identifies three main dietary factors that contributed to over 5 million deaths during 2023: high salt intake, lack of fruit and low consumption of whole grains.
The study, based on "Global Burden of Disease" data, analyzed 13 dietary factors over 33 years, highlighting that these eating habits are directly linked to increased cases of coronary heart disease and stroke.
Experts emphasize that an unbalanced diet – low in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and healthy produce, but high in processed meats, trans fats, and sugary drinks – negatively affects cardiovascular health.
In particular, excess salt increases blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease.
On the other hand, fiber, present in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, plays a protective role by lowering "bad" cholesterol, helping with weight control and stabilizing blood sugar.
The study also highlights significant gender and geographic differences, with men being more at risk due to the combination of poor diet with other factors such as smoking and alcohol.
While in some countries, especially in Asia and less developed regions, economic factors and lack of access to healthy foods also play a role.
The World Health Organization recommends that salt consumption should not exceed 5 grams per day, while fiber intake should be around 30 grams for adults. However, the majority of the population does not reach these levels.
The researchers conclude that improving diet quality should remain a global priority in preventing cardiovascular disease, requiring coordinated interventions in both nutrition education and increasing access to healthy products. /GazetaExpress/
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