Fat-free, carb-free and Mediterranean foods could help in retracting congested arteries thus preventing heart attacks and strokes, finds a new study.
Researchers at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel found that restricting to any of these three diets could help thwart Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease (ASVD)--a state in which an artery wall coagulates because of accumulation of fatty materials like cholesterol.
Lead author, Iris Shai, nutritional epidemiologist, Ben-Gurion University said, “Once one adheres to a sensible diet, even though you experience only a moderate weight loss, if you stick to it long enough you can cause regression of atherosclerosis.”
Dr. Charles Knight, British Cardiovascular Society, secretary and consultant cardiologist said, “Although the study is small, it sends an effective message from a public health perspective.”
140 people studied
The researchers conducted the study on 140 obese men and women aged 40 to 65, to determine if diet alterations could overturn obstructed arteries.
For the study, researchers put the subjects on one of three diets--low-fat, low-carbohydrate or Mediterranean diet, which primarily contains fruits, vegetables and healthy fats like those in olive oil.
The subjects were asked to follow their individual diet plans and keep their details in diaries for a period of two years to arrive at valid results.
The subjects’ weight, blood pressure, and adherence to their specific diets were recorded.
Along with this, researchers took ultrasound scans and three-dimensional images to evaluate the thickness of the carotid arteries--veins carrying blood to the brain.
The team conducted these tests twice, once at the commencement of the study and another toward the end, post two years.
Outcome of the study
On evaluating the results, it was found that the subjects following any of the three diet plans saw a noteworthy decline in both the average carotid artery wall and its thickness.
There was five percent reduction in carotid artery wall and 1.1 percent fall in wall thickness along with average drop in blood pressure and weight.
“With a healthy diet and only moderate weight loss and reduction in blood pressure, you can see regression of plaque that naturally progresses over the years,” said Shai.
Shai also stated that the diets contained common ingredients like fruits and vegetables and reduced intake of unsafe trans-fats found in processed foods.
“This study shows you can do something to reduce plaque build-up, even without pills,” stated Knight.
However, he cautioned the reduction was minimal but helpful.