Both low-carb and low-fat diets can lead to weight loss, but which is better for heart health?<\/p>\n
It all depends on what you\u2019re eating while following those regimens, experts say.<\/p>\n
Consuming too much protein, for example, or replacing fat with sugar and refined carbs won\u2019t lead to a healthier body.<\/p>\n
But three types of foods in particular can be part of either diet and can protect the heart.<\/p>\n
Cardiologist Tip of the Day: Focus on Quality Foods for Heart Health<\/p>\n
Eating either a low-fat<\/a> or a low-carb diet<\/a> that\u2019s rich in three things \u2014 plant-based foods, whole grains and unsaturated fats \u2014 is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, a recent study<\/a> published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found.<\/p>\n Diet quality plays a “critical role” no matter which macronutrients an eating plan emphasizes, the authors noted.<\/p>\n \u201cThe study confirms what we\u2019ve learned over the last 20 years,\u201d Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, told NBC News<\/a>.<\/p>\n Rather than focusing on fat, carbohydrates or protein, it\u2019s the quality of the foods that can lower heart disease risk, he added.<\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/p>\n Coronary heart disease<\/a> happens when fatty cholesterol deposits build up in the heart arteries, narrowing and hardening them, and limiting how much oxygen-rich blood reaches the heart muscle. It can ultimately lead to a heart attack.<\/p>\n The disease is largely preventable with lifestyle choices, including eating healthy foods, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute notes<\/a>.<\/p>\n Quality foods to eat on either a low-fat or a low-carb diet include nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, Kristina Petersen, an associate professor of nutritional science at Penn State who studies diet and risk of cardiovascular disease, told NBC News.<\/p>\n Eat fewer foods that are higher in added sugar, saturated fat and salt, she added.<\/p>\n How to Get Started<\/p>\n Dietitians recommend these healthy plant-based foods<\/a> to add to any diet: beans, sweet potatoes, kimchi, nuts, peanut butter, farro and tofu.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a variety of whole grains<\/a> to try, from whole wheat bread and brown rice to corn, quinoa and oats.<\/p>\n Foods high in unsaturated fats<\/a> include extra virgin olive oil, walnuts and avocados.<\/p>\n Download the Start TODAY app<\/a> for healthy meals plans and recipe ideas that fit any eating plan.<\/p>\n