The Healthiest Diet For Heart Health

The study: Andrew Mente and others, Diet, cardiovascular disease, and mortality in 80 countries, European Heart Journal, 2023; ehad269, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehad269

The Yolk

What does studying 80 countries tell us about what we should eat?

245,000 total people aged 35-70 in 80 varying countries
Analyzed data from the PURE study (Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology)
- PURE diet score was compared with rate of mortality and cardiovascular disease
  - The PURE diet score included 6 food categories known to already decrease mortality –
    - Fish, fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, dairy
  - Multiple risk score data for rate of disease included known risks for cardiovascular disease
    - Waist-to-hip ratio, blood pressure, family history, smoking, diabetes, diet, exercise
A higher healthy diet score was associated with higher income countries
The least healthy diet score included the lowest amounts from each of the 6 food groups included
- Related to a diet high in carbohydrates, lower fat, lower protein and lower red meat and poultry
Higher PURE diet score associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and mortality
Each food group contributes to the score – removing one type results in somewhat less of an association

What is the healthiest diet for heart health according to this study?

Fish
- 2-3 servings weekly
Fruits
- 2-3 servings daily
Vegetables
- 2-3 servings daily
Legumes (beans)
- 3-4 servings weekly
Whole grains
- 1 serving daily
Nuts
- 7 servings weekly
Dairy (mostly whole fat)
- 14 servings weekly
Unprocessed meat
- 1 serving daily

Perspective

A huge study over many years has credibility – but it is still self reported and many resources should be considered
Grains and unprocessed meats can be part of a healthy diet
- But only 1 serving per day was part of the healthiest score
Whole fat dairy can be part of a healthy diet – research still conflicts for what type of dairy is best
Unfortunately nutrition guidelines still recommend low fat diets and less meat (which may lead to higher carbohydrate and lower protein intake, associated with the least healthy diet score)
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the US and it’s preventable (besides genetic conditions) – take it seriously