Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Through Diet

In addition to consuming a low saturated fat, low cholesterol, high fiber diet, there are other foods one might eat that may reduce the chances of developing cardiovascular disease and possibly increase life expectancy.  

One method, recently discussed in a British Medical Journal (December 18, 2004), is known as the “Polymeal”. The polymeal is a recipe consisting of wine, fish, dark chocolate, fruits, vegetables, garlic and almonds.  Each of these foods may reduce cardiovascular disease or modify risk factors for cardiovascular disease (such as lowering high blood pressure) when consumed in the proper amounts. The idea of the polymeal is to combine foods that would have the greatest impact on decreasing cardiovascular disease and ultimately increase life expectancy. The daily amounts consumed in the study consisted of 5 ounces of wine, 4 ounces of fish eaten four times per week, 3 ½ ozs. of dark chocolate, 14 ozs. (almost one pound) total of fruits and vegetables consumed daily, 0.095 ounces of fresh garlic and 2.4 ounces of almonds.

  The authors of the article concluded that “the polymeal promises to be an effective, non-pharmacological, safe, cheap and tasty alternative to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and increase life expectancy in the general population”. In order to achieve the potential benefits from eating these foods, the polymeal diet would have to be followed long-term. Other foods that might be of benefit to add to the polymeal include olive oil, soy oil, soy beans, tomatoes, oat bran cereals, nuts, tea, and chickpeas to name a few). Consuming these foods would increase the beneficial effects of the polymeal.

 Although this study was based solely on data from the benefits of consuming the polymeal foods when hypothetically consumed by certain people over age 50, the benefits from consuming foods like those found in the polymeal are worth considering when making healthy food choices. It is also important to continue following a low saturated fat, low cholesterol, high fiber diet. Remember that lifestyle factors, such as stress-reduction and exercise, are also important in order to attain and maintain health.

By Lorri B. Katz, M.A., R.D.

Medical Nutritionist/Registered Dietitian