Until scientists build the fountain of youth, looking after your health is paramount to living your best life. Research pinpoints to a certain type of food that can help you live longer.
The Department of Health and Human Services, in the USA, collected lots of data.
They looked at 416,104 men and women over a 16-year-period, and questioned whether there’s an association between protein choice and mortality.
The primary dietary sources for plant protein included bread, cereal, pasta, nuts, beans and legumes.
Throughout the length of the study, there were 78,000 deaths recorded.
The data revealed that a greater intake of plant protein was significantly associated with lower mortality.
In addition, the consumption of dietary protein – particularly bread, which is often thought to be unhealthy – led to a decrease in cardiovascular disease.
What’s cardiovascular disease?
The NHS explained that cardiovascular disease is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels.
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The four main types of cardiovascular disease are: coronary heart disease; strokes and mini strokes; peripheral aterial disease; and aortic disease.
Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked.
This can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attacks or heart failure – three very serious conditions.
Strokes and mini strokes
A stroke takes place when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, which can lead to brain damage or death.
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A mini-stroke (also known as a transient ischaemic attack) occurs when the blood flow to the brain is temporarily disrupted.
Peripheral arterial disease
Peripheral arterial disease occurs when there’s a blockage in the arteries to the limbs, usually the legs.
This can result in painful leg cramps, weakness and persistent ulcers on the feet.
Aortic disease
Aortic diseases are a group of conditions that affect the aorta – the largest blood vessel in the body, which carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Health benefits of bread
The Federation of Bakers noted that bread is a low-fat source of protein, which is needed for the bodies to grow, renew and repair.
Additionally, wholemeal bread is “an important source of dietary fibre” that keeps the digestive system healthy, “helps control blood sugar and cholesterol levels”.
Moreover, dietary fibre helps you feel fuller for longer, minimising the risk of snacking on junk food.
White bread is fortified with calcium (needed to maintain healthy bones and teeth) and iron.
Iron is necessary for “energy and concentration, a healthy immune system and healthy blood”.
In addition, bread contains “a wide range of vitamins and minerals”, including thiamine (B1) and niacin (B3).
Thiamine and niacin are said to maintain “healthy skin, eyes and nails”, so bread isn’t to be missed off the menu.
To increase your chances of a long and healthy life, do all that you can to make healthy dietary choices.