Keto, Dash, Paleo… Here are the worst diets for your heart

While we had recently compiled a “Doctissimo diet ranking” based on studies specific to each of these diets and collecting the opinion of a committee of independent experts, a new survey, this time conducted by the American Heart Association, evaluated a panel of ten diets based on their effects on the heart. The point on this list.

Weight loss diets should be banned

First observation: diets that make you lose weight are the most harmful to our cardiovascular system.

At the bottom of the ranking, we find the Atkins method (and ketogenic diets) followed closely by the Paleolithic diet – which consists of eating in the manner of our hunter-gatherer ancestors (exit starches and dairy products, place fish , meat and vegetables).

These diets – rich in saturated fat – indeed considerably increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The DASH diet at the top of the podium

Conversely, the diets that get the highest marks are the “vegan and low-fat diets”.

At the very top of the podium, the “DASH” diets (composed of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and oilseeds), “Mediterranean” and “vegetarian” respectively convinced the experts of the American Heart Association.

Unsurprising results given the composition of these diets, rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables, and/or fish and whole grains.

Ultra-varied diets which also limit the consumption of red meat, milk, cheese, yoghurts and refined products – foods implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease.

A survey with results consistent with our list of heart-healthy diets, since we had elected the MIND Diet (which emphasizes leafy green vegetables, berries and nuts) as the top 1 on the podium, closely followed by the DASH diet and the Okinawa diet (inherited from the small Japanese island which has the particularity of concentrating an incredible number of centenarians).

Despite everything, these results must be taken with hindsight because not all diets are followed to the letter.