Heart disease is the No.1 killer in the United States and it is a major cause of disability in Americans, according to Medline Plus. The American Heart Association, a group that is dedicated to educating the public on ways to treat and prevent heart disease, states that a healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons with which to fight heart disease. The group has created dietary guidelines and teaches that eating well is about making healthy lifestyle choices and engaging in healthy patterns of choices.
The American Diet
Research reported in 2005 in the "Journal of Applied Physiology" states that the American lifestyle is deficient in physical activity and proper nutrition choices. The study cites overwhelming evidence that diet, smoking, alcohol and physical inactivity are important determinants of cardiovascular disease and other chronic disorders. Modifying these environmental influences can significantly impact the incidence of chronic disease. The American Heart Association has created healthy eating recommendations in response to the increase in chronic disease in the United States.
Lifestyle Choices
The American Heart Association has created healthy living guidelines for diet and nutrition which includes weight management and exercise. The American Heart Association states that a person should start a healthy eating program by first monitoring calories and making sure that they eat less than they burn throughout the day. They also advise that a person increase the amount and intensity of physical activity to match the number of calories taken in. They recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week.
Diet and Nutrition
The American Heart Association recommends that a person eat a variety of foods to encourage heart health. These foods include vegetables, fruits, whole-grain products, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. They encourage fruits and vegetables because of the high concentration of vitamins and minerals and whole-grain foods because they contain fiber that can help lower blood pressure and help with cholesterol. Fish are encouraged because of the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. The American Heart Association also advises that a person avoid partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and high cholesterol rich foods. Salt is limited to less than 1,500 mg per day. Drinks with a lot of sugar should be avoided as well as excess alcohol consumption. The guidelines stress that the number of calories consumed is based on activity levels and height and weight.
Significance
The American Heart Association states that if a person includes these recommendations for a healthy diet and other lifestyle factors, the risk for heart disease will decrease significantly. The lifestyle recommendations are based on healthy choices rather than a specific diet plan.
Expert Insight
The United States has a chronic illness problem and the unhealthy lifestyle of many Americans has contributed to the problem. The American Heart Association recommends basic lifestyle changes such as eating fruits, vegetables, fish, and engaging in exercise. Avoiding smoking, excess alcohol, and processed foods is another way to improve health and avoid chronic illness.
