Heart specialists are recommending that individuals with heart conditions focus on preparing meals at home to steer clear of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). They are also advising these patients to eat at a slower pace and avoid late-night eating, according to a group of experts.
In a recent statement, a team of European heart experts emphasized the importance of reducing UPF consumption among heart patients, citing the significant health risks associated with UPFs, including a higher likelihood of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and elevated blood pressure.
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has released a clinical consensus statement underscoring the negative impact of UPFs on cardiovascular health, independent of overall diet quality. The statement points out that current dietary advice provided in heart clinics often fails to address the risks posed by UPFs, offering suggestions for healthcare professionals to guide their patients effectively.
The consensus statement urges cardiologists to encourage patients to cook more meals at home, consume high-fiber, minimally processed foods, and practice mindful, slower eating habits to reduce the consumption of UPFs and promote satiety.
Furthermore, the guidance recommends discussing the benefits of avoiding late-night eating and establishing regular meal patterns to improve overall diet quality and decrease UPF intake. It also advises against specific UPFs such as sugary drinks, processed snacks, and packaged meats.
Professor Luigina Guasti from the University of Insubria in Italy, one of the lead authors of the statement, highlighted the importance of recognizing UPFs as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and emphasized the need for clear guidance on limiting UPF intake to prevent related health issues.
Tracy Parker, a senior dietician at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), supported the consensus statement’s findings, emphasizing the link between UPF consumption and heart diseases. She stressed the importance of reducing UPF intake and encouraged cooking meals from scratch to improve overall diet quality and heart health.
Parker also called for governmental policies, like the Healthy Food Standard, to promote access to less processed and healthier food options, making it easier for individuals to make nutritious choices.