What is an atherogenic diet and what would be the opposite, or the recommended, diet to replace it?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

An “atherogenic” diet—that is, one high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol and low in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains—is one that initiates or promotes atherosclerosis by elevating LDL cholesterol. Fortunately, a well-chosen eating pattern, such as the healthy Vegetarian Eating Pattern, the Healthy Mediterranean-Style Eating Pattern, and the DASH eating pattern, can often lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. A number of beneficial factors share the credit, including vitamins, minerals, fibers, phytochemicals, and omega-3 fatty acids.

In general, dietary recommendations for reducing cardiovascular disease risk include:

Choosing a dietary pattern that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; includes low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish, legumes, nontropical vegetable oils, and nuts; and limits intake of sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, and red meats.

Balancing energy intake and physical activity to prevent weight gain and to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight.

Limiting saturated fat to less than 10 percent of total kcalories and trans fat to less than 1 percent of total kcalories. For those who have been advised to lower LDL cholesterol or those with diabetes, saturated fat should be limited to 5 to 6 percent of total kcalories.

Limiting sodium intake to 1500 milligrams a day.

Limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men.