Although our efforts have been focused on reducing the spread of the virus, millions of Americans are simultaneously dealing with heart disease.
And having heart disease actually increases your risk for COVID-19.
In a new study, researchers found that a heart-healthy diet not only lowers your risk for heart disease but also assists in fending off COVID-19.
The research was conducted by a team at Rush University.
Last year, the virus killed over 400,000 Americans while cardiovascular disease typically claims someone’s life every 37 seconds, and an estimated total of 655,000 Americans.
Additionally, people with heart disease are at a higher risk of contracting a severe case of COVID-19.
And if you’re living with other underlying conditions, like diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity, both diseases can have a significant impact on your overall health.
Here is a list of risk factors that contribute to worse outcomes for heart disease and the virus: Diabetes, High blood pressure, High cholesterol and Obesity.
In the study, the team found that a whole-food, plant-based diet is linked to a lower risk of heart disease and, ultimately would contribute to a lower risk of COVID-19.
They found food choices remain a key factor to overall risk.
For example, foods that contain an excessive amount of refined carbohydrates, among other ingredients, can increase the risk of heart diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, if consumed on a consistent basis.
This lowers the immune system and worsens the risk for COVID-19.
The team says COVID-19 hit the community and its cardiovascular health, and it’s time scientists get people to be healthier.
We all need to be a beacon of a heart-healthy diet in order to protect ourselves, our families and our communities from the virus and from heart disease.
One author of the study is Kim Williams Sr., MD, a cardiologist at Rush.
The study is published in the International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention.
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