Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to achieve and maintain a healthy heart. From breakfast cereals to raw veganism, the advice can be overwhelming. While genetics and family history play a significant role, diet is a crucial factor in protecting our cardiovascular health.
To gain expert insight, Noah Michelson and Raj Punjabi, hosts of the HuffPost podcast “Am I Doing It Wrong?” consulted Dr. Guilly Rebagay, a cardiologist and assistant professor of medicine at New York University Langone. Dr. Rebagay stressed that the single most important food to avoid is anything containing trans fats. He cautioned that foods rich in saturated fats, particularly heavily processed items found in grocery stores, can pose serious risks to heart health.
Trans and saturated fats contribute to the production of LDL cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. This harmful cholesterol builds up in arteries, forming plaque that restricts blood flow and can lead to inflammation.
Dr. Rebagay suggested prioritizing a Mediterranean diet as often as possible. This diet emphasizes polyunsaturated fats, lean protein, and a heavy focus on plant-based sources. He highlighted the importance of including salmon and other fatty fish in the diet.
“The key takeaway is to prioritize vegetables, fiber, nuts, legumes, and healthy grains,” Dr. Rebagay explained. “These foods can help lower LDL cholesterol.” He also recommended exploring a plant-based vegan diet, noting its proven ability to significantly reduce harmful cholesterol levels.
Understanding that dietary changes take time, Dr. Rebagay encouraged a gradual approach. “The beauty of food is that we can experiment and find what we enjoy. There are so many options available to create a heart-healthy diet. If you don’t like broccoli, try sweet potatoes. There’s a wealth of options out there to support a healthy lifestyle.”
The podcast also delved into exercise recommendations, demographics at high risk for heart disease, and the secrets to longevity as observed in Dr. Rebagay’s incredibly healthy 85-year-old patients. You can listen to the full episode here or on any podcast platform.
Don’t miss future episodes of “Am I Doing It Wrong?” where they explore a wide range of topics, including tipping etiquette, apologizing effectively, managing credit card debt, finding love online, overcoming anxiety, online shopping tips, dental care, healthy bowel habits, hotel booking strategies, dealing with anger, cooking techniques, laundry secrets, dishwashing hacks, fitness tips, and more.
Need guidance on something you’ve been doing wrong? Send an email to AmIDoingItWrong@HuffPost.com, and your topic might be featured in a future episode.
