Dr. Haqqani: New diet research shows benefits of olive oil – Midland Daily News

On January 10, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) released new findings regarding the impact of consuming olive oil instead of other substances, showing benefits for the cardiovascular system and other areas of health.

This follows new guidelines released in late 2021 by the American Heart Association (AHA) that focus on a total dietary pattern. As the new year begins and many people focus on beginning and maintaining healthier living practices, these developments in nutritional research prove beneficial.

New research on the benefits of olive oil consumption

The study reported in JACC compared those who consumed olive oil on a regular basis with individuals who rarely or never added it to their diets. A total of 60,582 women and 31,801 men were surveyed over a 28-year period in research gathered in the Nurses Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. None of the participants had cardiovascular disease or cancer when the studies began. Every four years between 1990 and 2018, they were questioned about their olive oil consumption.The research showed higher olive oil intake is associated with a 19% lower risk of mortality in cardiovascular disease. This means that deaths caused by heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia and heart valve issues are less likely to occur.

Additionally, the results showed that 17% fewer cancer deaths occur in those with higher olive oil intake. The risk of deaths involving neurodegenerative disease also decreased 29% among those using olive oil regularly. Neurodegenerative diseases affect heart function as well as balance, breathing, movement and talking. Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, Huntingtons disease, spinal muscular atrophy, and other conditions are neurodegenerative diseases.

An 18% reduction in risk of respiratory disease mortality was revealed in the study as well. Respiratory diseases include asthma, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other conditions.

New dietary guidelines

The AHA guidelines published November 2, 2021, emphasize the importance of a dietary pattern with 10 features, including diet and lifestyle elements. The guidelines stated that before and during pregnancy, potential and expectant mothers can help influence the health of their unborn children by adhering to a heart-healthy diet. This could limit the possibility of excess weight in their children and reduce the risk of childhood obesity that can be detrimental to the body as the child grows older. A proper diet can also help slow the development of declining memory later in life. Children should learn how to eat healthily early in life to develop nutritional habits that will influence their health as they age.

Maintaining healthy weight is important in all stages of life, and a balance of food intake and physical activity is recommended. The dietary pattern states that while most nutrition information on food packaging is based on a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet, certain factors such as age, daily physical activity and gender may alter exactly how many calories an individual may require. A consultation with a physician can help determine daily caloric needs of a particular person. Physical activity is part of the equation, and efforts should be made to expend as many calories as one consumes.

While the study reported in JACC focused on the benefits of olive oil, honing a diet to emphasize other types of healthy foods is imperative. It is well-known that avoiding processed foods, added sugars, excessive salt, alcohol and tobacco is advantageous to the heart and other parts of the body.

The 2021 AHA guidelines also recommend reducing dependency on dietary supplements and opting, instead, for foods that will provide the same nutrients. Among them are a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and lean or high-fiber proteins. Nuts and legumes, fish, low-fat and non-fat dairy products are examples.

It is also helpful to limit red meat and make sure that cuts of meat consumed are lean. It should be noted that some plant-based diets may increase carbohydrates and sugar that can be harmful, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The elements in certain foods should be considered if a particular emphasis on one plant group is chosen as the basis for a diet program.

A physician should be consulted before any diet and exercise program begins.To learn more about a variety of health conditions, management and treatment, log on to vascularhealthclinics.org.

Do you have questions about your heart health? Ask Dr. Haqqani.

If you have questions about your cardiovascular health, including heart, blood pressure, stroke lifestyle and other issues, we want to answer them. Please submit your questions to Dr. Haqqani by e-mail at questions@vascularhealthclinics.org.

Omar P. Haqqani is the Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Vascular Health Clinics in Midland.

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Dr. Haqqani: New diet research shows benefits of olive oil - Midland Daily News