Dr KK Aggarwal
Padma Shri and Dr B C Roy National Awardee
President, Heart Care Foundation of India
Ingestion of a vegetarian diet may reduce systolic blood pressure by 5 mmHg and a 5 mm reduction in blood pressure reduces the risk of heart disease by 21%, said Padmashri and Dr B C Roy National Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India and MTNL Perfect Health Mela.
Also the high fiber content of the vegetarian diet may add to the BP lowering effects.
A typical vegetarian’s diet contains more potassium, complex carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fat, fiber, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and vitamin A, all of which may have a favorable influence on blood pressure.
Soy is another vegetarian item good for the heart. It is naturally high in potassium and low in sodium.
Soy should be taken as an alternative protein source to unhealthy meats. Soy–based meat is higher in fiber and lower in sodium. However soy does not contain the long–chain omega–3 fatty acids that are found in fatty fish and shellfish.
Soya is also good for the thyroid and post menopausal heart symptoms.
