New Delhi, Dec 03: It's not just an apple a day that can keep your heart doctor away. What you need is a variety of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, which help reduce the risk of heart disease and the overall risk of dying. The new US dietary guidelines of Americans advocate choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables daily as also a number of grains, especially wholegrains. Recent studies report that a high intake of whole grain foods can protect one from heart disease.
"In fact, the new health mantra is to have 'the rainbow in your plate' - five different coloured fruits and vegetables at least five times a day," says Dr K Srinath Reddy, professor, cardiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
"The variety is as important as the frequency. According to the who recommendations on diet, nutrition and prevention of chronic diseases, the minimum daily requirement is 400-500 gm of fruits and vegetable," says Dr Reddy.
However, the per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables in India remains as low as 130 gm/day. Even Chinese consume 300-350 gm/day. The main inhibiting factor is their high cost, but the research has shown that inexpensive, seasonal fruits and vegetables too are equally important, says Dr Reddy. Bureau Report