Study links High Carb Foods to Increased Risk of Heart Disease

Doctors often talk about how a healthy diet leads to a healthy heart, but never had a way to visually show patients exactly how a poor diet increases the risk for death caused by heart attack and heart disease. That was until a historic study was released by Tel Aviv University’s Sackler School of Medicine and the Heart Institute of Sheba Medical Center. The study involved separating 56 healthy individuals into 4 groups. Each group was given different types of carbohydrate rich foods so doctors could monitor the elasticity of their arteries using a new method called “brachial reactive testing”

Two of the groups were given carbs that were high on the glycemic index. An example of high glycemic index foods include: White bread, cornflakes, pre-packaged cakes and sweets, ice cream, white rice, french fries, etc. The results showed that those in the high glycemic groups experienced stress on their arteries. That’s right! The Doctors were able to see the problem occur in “real-time”. The volunteer’s artery walls became swollen and dysfunctional. This type of behavior within the arteries is what puts people at risk for heart disease and heart attacks.

Reading the study really got me thinking about my “everything is fine in moderation” mentality. Based on what the study shows, the dysfunction in the arteries was experienced by healthy individuals during one sitting. I imagine you would have to expose yourself to this kind of diet for some time to do optimal damage. And that those at an advanced age are at a higher risk than a teenager.

Either way, the breakthrough in this technology, and being able to monitor heart health related activity in “real-time,” is sure to help doctors save lives by identifying those that are at risk for heart disease when it can be treated early with diet. So now that you are armed with this new information, what are some takeaways? The foods you eat are the key to reducing the risk for heat disease. Eating 100% whole grain bread, oatmeal, nuts, sweet potatoes, legumes, fruits and vegetables that have a low glycemic index (and do not cause the stress on the arteries as listed above) are the best ingredients for a healthy heart.

How does this study change your view on heart disease? Will you think twice before pounding down honey buns and Twinkies?

photo credit: Lazurite