Your diet can really reduce your heart disease risk

Heart disease (also known as “cardiovascular disease”, or “CVD”), is the leading cause of death in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease accounts for one in every four deaths among Americans. Here’s what can lead to this disease:

• Medical conditions, including high cholesterol and/or high blood pressure
• Lifestyle factors like alcohol use, smoking, and your activity level
• Family history of heart disease

While some of these aspects are beyond your control, you can actually minimize your risk of developing heart problems by making specific lifestyle changes. Specifically, science has discovered a close relationship between heart health and diet.

Harvard Medical School researchers found that for every 2% of calories we consume from trans fat — such as the fat found in baked goods and fried foods — we increase our risk of heart problems by a whopping 23%. And it’s not just that you should remove those foods that are bad for your heart, as recent research has identified foods with certain nutrients that can reduce the risk of health issues.

Potassium is one of those nutrients that can prevent cardiovascular disease. According to a 2021 study conducted by the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association, eating a potassium-rich diet can help lower your risk of heart disease.

If potassium appears to be a mineral worth learning more about, medicine and nutrition experts have shared their wisdom.