Some scientific studies suggest that very low fat vegetarian
diets may be advantageous in treating some patients with heart
disease. They have not been accepted as standards for all heart
disease patients because of the significant lifestyle change and
the difficulty that most people find in following them. Hospital
and clinic programs have been established to provide medically
supervised treatment, education and support for those who wish
to implement a very low fat vegetarian diet and accompanying lifestyle.
(Nutritional risks and possible undesirable blood lipid effects
can be of concern.)
A very low fat vegetarian diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed
foods rich in complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads,
cereals, cooked grains, fruits and vegetables. The diet is high
in heart healthy fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and
phytochmeicals. No added fats, oils or foods high in fat (avocado,
olives, nuts or seeds) are allowed. All animal meat, fish, and
poultry is eliminated. Protein in the diet comes from plant foods
(beans, soy and tofu) as well as nonfat dairy items such as egg
whites and fat free milk or yogurt.
A low-fat vegetarian diet including soy, eggplant and almonds
can reduce cholesterol levels about as much as widely used statin
drugs, a small, one-month study suggests. If you're a vegetarian
or are thinking of becoming one, watch out for these five common
pitfalls.
Diet trap 1: Cheese
Milk, cheese and yoghurt are great sources of protein, calcium
and vitamin D. However, these foods are often made with whole
milk, which contains fat. Most of this fat is the saturated kind,
which clogs up our arteries and leads to heart disease. For example,
most cheeses contain seven to nine grams of fat for every ounce,
and an ounce is about the size of your thumb.
Solution: Stick to skimmed milk and low-fat yoghurt. Choose reduced-fat
cheeses and keep the portions small—no more than one or
two ounces per meal.
Diet trap 2: Nuts
Nuts and seeds play a big role in a vegetarian diet because they
are great sources of protein, and the fat they contain is the
healthy unsaturated type. Nuts have even been shown to help prevent
heart disease, but because of their high fat content, if you overeat
you gain weight.
Solution: Sprinkle nuts or seeds on top of salads, cooked vegetables,
cereal, or in stir-fries. To avoid eating too much fat, limit
yourself to two tablespoons or twice the size of your thumb.
