Heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia and all heart and blood vessel disorders encompass cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. These conditions are related to atherosclerosis, a buildup of fat deposits on artery walls. Cardiologist Caldwell B. Esselstyn of the Cleveland Clinic in London tested the use of a vegetarian diet to treat heart disease and saw significant health turnarounds.
Atherosclerosis and Heart Disease
Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fat deposits, called plaque, on artery walls. This causes the artery walls to thicken, harden and lose elasticity, allowing less room for blood flow. As blood flow decreases, blood pressure increases and sometimes a blood clot forms. The AHA reports that blood clots can cause a heart attack or stroke when blood flow is cut off from the heart or brain. Damage to the heart may result in heart failure, valve problems or other heart and circulatory problems.
Dr. Esselstyn Reverses Heart Disease
Dr. Esselstyn started a study on the effects of a vegetarian diet on heart disease in 1985 at the Cleveland Clinic. He prescribed a vegetarian diet to 23 of his patients who suffered with coronary disease, a treatment that included no medicines. The patients had experienced angina, bypass surgery, heart attacks, strokes and angioplasty. Dr. Esselstyn monitored his patients every two weeks for five years. Five patients dropped out of the study. Eleven of the 18 who remained had X-rays taken of the heart that showed no progress of heart disease and, in fact, showed a reversal, with new openings in the arteries.
AHA Endorses Vegetarian Diet for Heart Disease
The American Heart Association is also supportive of a vegetarian diet for heart disease, explaining that vegetarians tend to have a lower risk of coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attacks and high blood pressure. The diet should include essential nutrients to be healthy and nutritionally sound. Eat foods containing substantial amounts of protein, iron, B-12, vitamin D, calcium and zinc, as these nutrients are most abundant in animal and dairy products. Whole grain and legume combinations are complete protein sources, such as beans and whole wheat bread or lentils and brown rice. Seeds, nuts or soybean products are a complete protein. For iron and calcium, eat dried beans, dried fruit, dark green vegetables, soybean products and brewer's yeast. Brewer's yeast is also a source of vitamin B-12. Sunlight provides vitamin D. Whole grains, legumes, and nuts are good sources of zinc. Consult a healthcare professional about adequate amounts needed and the possibility of supplements, especially if taking medicines.
Other Vegetarian Types
Lactovegetarians also eat dairy products, which are high in protein, B-12 and calcium. Ovo-lactovegetarians eat eggs and dairy products with a plant-based diet; eggs are a complete protein. Vegetarians who also eat fish receive an additional source of zinc. Fried vegetarian dishes and recipes that include large amounts of high fat dairy products are high in cholesterol and have all the associated health risks.
References
- "American Heart Association"; What is Cardiovascular Disease?; January 2011
- "Vegan Nutritionista"; Dr. Esselstyn's Study on Heart Disease Patients; Cathleen Woods; 2008
- "American Heart Association"; Phytochemicals and Cardiovascular Disease; May 2009
- "American Heart Association"'; Vegetarian Diets; May 2010
