Changing dietary approaches to prevent cardiovascular disease

Scientists have focused on recent research relevant to the effects of dietary patterns and major food groups on cardiovascular outcomes, taking into account guidelines and position statements from expert authorities, with an emphasis on important changes in recommendations for diet to prevent cardiovascular disease.
The major recommendations from the research include: refocusing on qualitative patterns of food consumption replacing quantitative prescriptive advice on nutrients; increasing intake of plant foods; substituting saturated fats with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated oils; reducing salt intake; regular consumption of fish with a focus on omega-3 enrichment; not restricting dairy foods, other than butter and cream, with encouragement of some fermented products; reducing cholesterol intake for those at increased cardiovascular risk and diabetes, allowing 7-eggs weekly; restricting processed meats and allowing moderate lean meat consumption; preference for fiber-rich complex carbohydrates and reduced sugar intake; maintaining healthy bodyweight; and although water is the preferred beverage, allowing moderate alcohol consumption within national guidelines and avoiding alcohol in specific cardiovascular disorders.
The authors say that this new approach which focuses on healthier patterns of food intake is more readily understood by health practitioners and translatable to consumers and patients.
Source: Nestel PJ, Beilin LJ, Mori TA. Changing dietary approaches to prevent cardiovascular disease. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2020 Dec;31(6):313-323.