European heart specialists are calling for heart patients to be explicitly advised to prioritise home cooking and significantly reduce their consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). A new consensus statement from the European Society of Cardiology links UPFs to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular risk.
New Dietary Guidance for Heart Health
The guidance recommends that patients adopt healthier eating habits, such as eating more slowly and avoiding late-night meals. The specialists note that UPFs are often “unrecognised” in current dietary advice given in heart clinics and offer tips for medics on how to counsel patients.
Practical Advice for Patients
Doctors are advised to encourage home cooking, mindful eating, and to specifically warn against UPFs like sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and processed meats. The statement emphasises that reducing UPF intake can significantly improve heart health outcomes.
- Prioritise home-cooked meals using fresh ingredients.
- Avoid sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and processed meats.
- Practice mindful eating by eating slowly and avoiding late-night meals.
The European Society of Cardiology hopes this guidance will help heart patients make better dietary choices and reduce their risk of further cardiovascular events.
