One of the leading causes of much suffering and premature deaths in India (and worldwide) is Coronary Heart disease. Much of this is attributable to our daily dietary and lifestyle choices. There are simple steps we can take to mitigate this risk.
According to an extensive NHS study by Stampfer et al (2000) in the United States, just following these five simple diet and lifestyle behaviours significantly reduces the risk of coronary heart ailments.
1. A big NO to smoking
2. BMI (Body Mass Index)< 25kg/㎡
3. Exercise ≥ ½ hour of brisk walking every day
4. Good diet – low trans (artificial and industrial – think McDonald’s and the like) fat, higher polyunsaturated (good) fat vs saturated (bad) fat, low glycemic load (blood glucose level), high naturally obtained fibre, high fish and high folate.
5. Limit Alcohol to 5+g/day.
While the above study was done specifically for Coronary Heart Disease, the above measures can also massively reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity and promote general well being.
