Impact of Diet on Cardiovascular Diseases: Coronary Artery Disease Part II: Unhealthy Macronutrients, Special Diets and Obesity

Abstract

The role of red meat especially processed red meat, and its deleterious relationship with coronary artery disease is well known. A multitude of studies have demonstrated that processed red meat, saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and sugar- sweetened beverages increase the risk of coronary artery disease. Trans fats and ultra-processed foods are extremely harmful. Trans fats must be completed avoided and ultra-processed food intake must be markedly reduced or also completely avoided. A replacement of saturated fats by mono-unsaturated fats and poly-unsaturated fats reduces coronary heart disease risk. Diet is also intricately connected with obesity and a BMI >30 results in an increased coronary artery disease morbidity and mortality. Central or abdominal obesity is even more harmful. The Western diet is rich in unhealthy foods. Unfortunately, a Western style of eating is gradually replacing healthier diets all over the world. The role of Mediterranean, DASH, and vegetarian diets in reducing the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease are also discussed.