The Key to a Healthy Heart

The following article is from the Huffington Post:

(Note: I do NOT claim ownership)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joel-fuhrman-md/heart-health-prevent-and-reverse_b_783565.html

The author of this article, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, asserts that heart disease can be reversed, and even prevented, based on appropriate dieting choices. Dr. Fuhrman proposes a “high-nutrient, vegetable-based diet” of fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds. One of the aspects of Fuhrman’s article I was particularly impressed with is that the doctor took care to remind Americans that not all fats are bad, and that nuts and seeds contain fats that are key to cardiovascular health. This reminder in Fuhrman’s article is significant, as most Americans have very little medical knowledge and have developed an inherent aversion to the word fat. As a result, most people tend to lump “good” and “bad” fats together when making dietary choices, instead of carefully distinguishing between the types of fats they need and the types they should avoid. I also appreciated that Dr. Fuhrman noted that improvements in Americans’ cardiovascular health need not be gleaned through surgery or expensive drugs. I commend Fuhrman for this, as many Americans struggling with obesity try to find a “quick fix” to their problems in the form of dangerous surgery and medications instead of responsibly taking the time and energy to remedy their eating patterns. Hearing a medical professional encourage dietary changes and personal responsibility as a means to lose weight instead of medication and surgery, could empower people struggling with their cardiovascular health to make wiser decisions sooner, and prevent further plaque buildup in their arteries, instead of resorting to risky operations/expensive medications when it’s too late. On a more personal note, while I am not overweight, it has long been a goal of mine to improve my cardiovascular health. After reading Dr. Fuhrman’s piece, I know I’ll be incorporating more nuts, seeds and fruits into my diet for a long time to come.