Researchers reveal six essential foods to combat cardiovascular disease risk

A global study conducted with the Population Research Health Institute has found that insufficient consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fish and whole-fat dairy is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

The study also looked at the effect that ultra processed foods have on overall health, as well as exclusively natural foods. Andrew Mente, PHRI scientist and assistant professor at McMaster University, added that his team had also found that moderate consumption of grains and meats — if they are unrefined whole grains and unprocessed meats — associated with a lower risk of CVD and mortality.

The study’s final recommendations are to consume fruits at two to three servings per day; vegetables at two to three servings; nuts at one serving; and dairy at two servings. The menu also includes three to four weekly servings of legumes and two to three weekly servings of fish. Possible substitutes included whole grains at one serving daily, and unprocessed red meat or poultry at one serving daily, SciTechDaily reported.