Heart Healthy Trend among Baby Boomers Population

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            With the large population of the ageing baby boomers generation focus on a healthier way of life is demanded especially in areas of the heart. Heart health a multifactorial issue is a serious concern among Americans due cardiac events and cardiovascular disease which can be a result of unhealthy dietary behavior or unhealthy lifestyle habits. According to the American Heart Association half of Americans will suffer a cardiac event in their lifetime, and 1/3 of Americans will die of cardiovascular disease. In regards to nutrition, dietitians play a major role in promoting heart health. Through appropriate nutrition, heart health can be promoted in a simply manner (possibly without medication). Therefore, dietitians play a crucial role in this area and should be up to date on emerging research in this area. 

            An article by Gillespie, (2013) discussed health benefits of grains and soy in regards to its beneficial effects to heart health. Oats and barley which are packed in beta-glucan are beneficial to heart health by lowering cholesterol. Some studies suggest that replacing most of the grains in an individual’s diet with barley and oats to promote heart health. Soy foods such as soy milk, soybeans, and tofu provide high quality protein with cholesterol lowering effects. Research has also shown that carotid intima media thickness (thickness of the carotid artery which supplies the neck and brain with blood) is thinner (reducing the risk of a stroke or a cardiac event) in postmenopausal women of Japan, a culture where soy products are largely consumed.  

H. K. Seligman, C. Lyles, M. B. Marshall, K. Prendergast, M. C. Smith, A. Headings, G. Bradshaw, S. Rosenmoss, E. Waxman. A Pilot Food Bank Intervention Featuring Diabetes-Appropriate Food Improved Glycemic Control Among Clients In Three States. Health Affairs, 34 (11). DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2015.0641

-KP

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