Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk is Dr Alona Pulde says moving to a “whole foods, plant-based diet” can offer multiple health benefits. Otherwise known as a vegan diet, adhering to such an eating plan will lead to an improvement in heart health. Dr Pulde elaborated: “Heart health will begin to improve with a reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
“These changes also begin to occur over the first week [of following a vegan diet] and [will] continue over time.”
Dr Pulde added: “Weight loss is something else that begins shortly after transitioning to a healthy plant-based diet.
“This is due to plant-foods being more calorie dilute and to the high nutrient density, fibre and water content.
“[This all] helps regulate our hunger signals to appropriately signal satiety so we don’t over consume.”
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By reducing the risk factors associated with heart disease – high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity – the chance of having a heart attack is greatly reduced.
Other health benefits include normalised blood sugar levels, improved skin health, reduced inflammation, better circulation, and a healthier microbiome.
Dr Pulde said: “Research shows that a plant-based diet is beneficial in promoting the development of a more diverse and stable microbiome to better support our digestive system.
“In addition, because most of the body’s immune cells live in the gut, having a robust microbiome helps support the optimal health of our immune system.”
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By reducing the risk factors associated with heart disease – high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity – the chance of having a heart attack is greatly reduced.
Other health benefits include normalised blood sugar levels, improved skin health, reduced inflammation, better circulation, and a healthier microbiome.
Dr Pulde said: “Research shows that a plant-based diet is beneficial in promoting the development of a more diverse and stable microbiome to better support our digestive system.
“In addition, because most of the body’s immune cells live in the gut, having a robust microbiome helps support the optimal health of our immune system.”
For instance, smoking is a “significant” risk factor for heart disease.
“The harmful substances in tobacco can damage and narrow your blood vessels,” the national health service explained.
A family history of heart disease is also a risk factor, although this can not be changed.
People who have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, who was diagnosed with heart disease before the age of 55 is at increased risk of the condition.
In the UK, heart disease is also more prevalent in people of south Asian and an African or Caribbean background.
Men are also more likely to develop heart disease at an earlier age than women.
While certain risk factors can not be changed, the ones that are modifiable can help to save your life if you have them under control.
Dr Alona Pulde supports Lifesum, a leading global nutrition app.
