Study Shows Junk Food Responsible for One-Third of Heart Attacks

Not too surprising to me or for most people, but a study was done which supported a known fact, linking junk food or a “Western” diet and heart attacks. More specifically, junk food was found to be responsible for a third of heart attacks.

Researchers examined diets of 52 countries, questioning more than 16,000 patients, in which 5,700 of them had recently suffered their first heart attack. The participants were divided into one of three groups based on their diet/reported food intake. One group was labeled ‘Oriental’ because of its high intake of tofu, soy, and other sauces, the second group was ‘Western’ because of its high intake of fried food, salty snacks, and meat, and the third group was labeled ‘Prudent’ because of its high intake of fruits and vegetables.

The results for this study include:

• Individuals who ate more fruits and vegetables had a 30 percent lower risk of heart attacks
• Individuals eating a Western diet had a 35 percent greater risk of heart attacks
• Individuals eating the Oriental diet had an average risk of heart attacks compared to the others (probably due to the high sodium content of sauces, etc.)

Once again, this study reiterates the significance behind a plant-based diet. It is important to consume meats and meat alternatives as long as you are making the healthiest choices while doing so. Eating salty and fried foods is OK in moderation, but make sure it is the exception and not the rule! A fruit and vegetable rich diet does so much for your body (prevent all types of cancer, improve bowel functioning, energizes you, etc.), in addition to keeping your heart healthy. So make the effort to eat more fruits and veggies!