Heart-healthy diets include a variety of fruits, vegetables, andwhole grains, according to the AHA.
The last update to the guideline was in 2006.
Neighborhood segregation has created environments that don’t promote healthy options.
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Appel added that food offerings, especially the healthier options, are limited in marginalized neighborhoods.
Some policy changes have been made to address environmental disparities.
While this may remove some barriers, it isn’t a perfect solution.
“There is no easy answer.”
“This is a societal problem that requires a societal solution.”
Prevention Is Key
Focusing on prevention is another important component of the updated AHA guidelines.
Starting a heart-healthy diet early can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
However, it’s also challenging to promote a nutritious diet to children.
“At the next level introduce simple cooking skills into science class.
Then move on to basic budgeting skills as economic lessons.”
Derocha said that there are many factors that influence what goes on someone’s plate.
For instance, the recommendation said to choose minimally processed foods instead of ultra-processed foods.
Understanding the difference between “minimal” and “ultra” can be tricky.
Foods like frozen broccoli are processed but they’re not necessarily unhealthy, Derocha explained.
“Take the information and figure out ways to apply it,” Derocha said.
“But allow yourself the grace and patience to figure it out slowly and surely.”
United States Department of Agriculture.FNS launches the online purchasing pilot.
