Heart disease remains to be the world’s number one killer. It is also considered as a disease of affluence. Mainly because cardiovascular disease is directly attributed to a diet full of rich food like meat, processed grains, dairy made worse by an inactive lifestyle.

About a decade ago, people who suffered heart attacks were given no hope over their aging and weakening heart. Options laid out were limited to open-heart-surgery, a lifetime of cholesterol-lowering drugs  or just the acceptance of inevitable death. Diet wasn’t considered as an option to treat cardiovascular diseases back then.

That was until Dr. Caldwell Esseltyn Jr., renowned surgeon in Cleveland Clinic Foundation conducted a series of trials using a diet made up of whole vegetables, grains, roots and fruits to reverse heart conditions. With most patients studied under the Esseltyn program completing a decade of follow-up examinations, disease progression was stopped in all those who kept to the prescribed diet. Significantly, disease did not just stop but was actually reversed in approximately 70% of those having follow-up angiograms.

The Esselstyn study showed that heart disease can be reversed by diet therapy. To do so , fat should be less than 10% of calories rather than the present 30% advocated by the American Heart Association. Second, these results were achieved even without advice on meditation and exercise. Regular exercise and stress management are extremely valuable health-promoting tools which will give even better and faster results. Dr. Esselstyn’s results proves that consuming a low-fat, all-plant-foods diet is a very powerful way to promote good health and to heal the body of heart disease.

FOOD FOR HEALTHY HEART

  • Whole grains and starch: Unrefined, unprocessed grains are great sources of energy as well as fiber, vitamins and minerals. Consuming healthy complex carbohydrates like brown rice, adlai, whole wheat bread, Oats and even protein-rich varieties like quinoa and millet or starchy options like sweet potatoes will lessen consumption of fatty food such as meat, dairy, and high-sugar food such as white rice, egg noodles, and refined pasta.

Contrary to popular belief, whole grains will not elevated blood sugar. Complex carbohydrates does not cause a spike in glycogen as it is broken down more slowly for a more stable release of energy in the body. Since it has fiber, it is also easier to flush down excess.

  • Vegetables: Vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and some are even loaded with protein. A diet that is rich in vegetables is lower in calories and richer in nutrients that will lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation as only food from plants are alkaline forming.
  • Fruits: Eating fruits whole, not too much, and by the season is the best option to indulge the body with simpler sources of energy. Sour fruits like berries and citrus are especially loaded with anti oxidants that helps break down fat in the body.
  • Good fat: When you do use fats, choose safe and healthy fats such as monounsaturated fats from olive oil or avocado oil and polyunsaturated fats found in certain fish, avocados, nuts and seeds like the Misso Virgin Seed Oil. These are good choices for a heart-healthy diet. When used in place of saturated fat, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats may help lower your total blood cholesterol. But moderation is essential. All types of fat are high in calories.

MAKING THE MOST OF WHOLE FOOD

Not all people are able to consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables in a day. A popular way to incorporate more fruits and veggies into ones diet is through juicing. Juice the rainbow colors and enjoy a healthier you with the NEW and BETTER Matstone, Misso Multi versatile Wonder Machine.

** Misso s2o Seed-To-Oil Wonder Extractor is available at selected stores of SM Home, SM Appliance, True Value & Rustan’s.
Also available at our showrooms (Balintawak & Greenhills) & online stores (The Wow Store, Lazada, Akulaku & Knots & Pans)

by Ms. Weizel Gulfan
Fitness Nutrition & Microbiotics Consultant
2018 Superbod Finalist