Cardiac patients should take a moderate amount of carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a debated topic when it comes to heart health. Different types of
carbohydrates are present in food. There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and
complex.
Simple carbohydrates are easily digested and dissolved in the blood; the simplest form of
carbohydrate is glucose. Complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly and provide a
gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream.
Simple carbohydrates include sugar (white and brown), candy, honey, and refined cereals.
Complex carbohydrates include brown rice, Dalia, millets, and legumes. Carbohydrates are
one of the important food groups in our daily diet and are one of the three major energy yielding nutrients known as macronutrients.[1]
High-carbohydrate diets have been linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular
disease (CVD). Dietary patterns differ between Western and Asian countries. Western
countries typically consume higher amounts of protein and fat from sources such as red
meat and animal fat, while Asian countries tend to have diets high in carbohydrates,
especially rice, and low in fat. The amount of carbohydrate intake also varies significantly
between Asian countries and most European and American countries. These dietary
differences can impact morbidity and mortality rates.[2]
A high intake of carbohydrates can create a large metabolic load. Persistently high blood
sugar levels over time can lead to weight gain, reduced metabolic health, and an increased
risk of heart disease. High carbohydrate intake can also influence blood lipid profiles, which
are risk factors for CVD.
Starchy foods or high-fibre carbohydrates are important for heart health. Carbohydrate
intake should generally be limited to 50–60% of total energy in patients with metabolic
syndrome. The American Heart Association advises at least 25–30 grams of fibre per day for
good heart health.[3]
- Rice or roti: which is better for cardiac patients?
Food choices play an essential role in cardiac treatment and prevention. Generally, whole
wheat roti is better for cardiac patients than white rice. However, patients with CVD can
include brown rice in their daily diet because of its high fibre content, which supports weight
management and heart health.
Whole wheat roti and brown rice help reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) due to the presence of
soluble fibre. White rice has very little fibre and may raise blood sugar levels. Roti is digested
more slowly, which helps maintain fullness for longer and supports stable energy release.
- Why Bajra roti Better than Wheat flour for heart patients?
Bajra roti content high fibre and low sodium, which helps to reduce or control
cholesterol, manage cardiovascular health. Also, bajra roti content magnesium, lower
blood pressure. Overall bajra roti or bajra is very much beneficial for heart patient
rather than wheat flour (refined flour).
Advice:-
- Avoid refined sugar – Refined sugars are easily absorbed into the bloodstream, provide empty calories, and have very low nutritional value. Excess intake can lead to unnecessary weight gain.
- Include complex carbohydrates in the daily diet – When total calories are restricted, focus on complex carbohydrates.
- Add fruits and vegetables – They contain carbohydrates that are complex in nature and are rich in fibre. Include raw salads and whole foods.
- Choose whole grains – Such as brown rice, whole grain bread, and roti.
- Avoid cakes, pastries, chocolates, sweets, ice creams, and sugary drinks.
Myths about carbohydrates
- “All carbohydrates are bad for heart patients.’’ This is incorrect. Simple carbohydrates are not ideal, but whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits are beneficial for heart health.
- “Carbohydrates cause weight gain.’’ Overeating (especially binge eating) leads to weight gain. In appropriate amounts, carbohydrates provide energy and support metabolism.
- “Low carbohydrate intake is best for heart health. “Extremely low carbohydrate intake can lead to nutritional deficiencies. While it may help with short-term weight loss, long-term restriction can have negative effects. A moderate intake of carbohydrates from healthy sources (vegetables, fruits, whole grains) is recommended.
DR. SUNDAN SIKDAR – MD,DM (GB Pant, Delhi)
REFERENCES :-
- ALL ABOUT CARBS – https://www.hri.org.au/health/your-health/nutrition/all-aboutcarbs .
- CARBOHYDRATE INTAKE AND RISK OFCARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE: A SYMTEMETIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF PROSPECTIVE STUDIES https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10096555/#B1-nutrients-15-01740
- CAN CARBS BENEFIT YOUR HEART? https://www.saaoldelhi.com/blogs/can-carbsbenefit-your-heart