Reliance on fish meals and reducing meat consumption can lower the risk of heart attacks by 30%, according to a British study published by the University of Glasgow in West Lothian, England.
The study indicated that regular fish consumption also helps reduce the risk of strokes, coronary artery disease, and other diseases in several vital parts of the human body. It noted that over a period of more than 8 years, the study involved nearly 420,000 adults, affirming previous efforts that indicated fish reduces cardiac and cerebral incidents; however, it added that the experiment achieved a more precise percentage of risk reduction.
The study published in the European Heart Journal, produced by Oxford University, stated: "Researchers found that fish consumers were 30% less likely to experience a heart attack and had a 22% lower chance of developing heart failure." It continued: "The study also determined that fish eaters were 21% less likely than meat eaters to develop coronary heart diseases and strokes when considering factors such as body mass index, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions."
It clarified that vegetarians were also less prone to heart and brain issues than meat eaters but added that many of them consumed unhealthy foods like chips and pizza. The study noted that meat eaters, who constituted 94.7% of the participants, were more likely to suffer from obesity and consumed lower amounts of fiber, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats such as those found in oily fish.
Nutritionist Dr. Victoria Taylor from the British Heart Foundation in London emphasized the importance of this study, indicating that its results support previous evidence with greater accuracy. However, she added, "Avoiding meat is not a quick fix for achieving a healthy diet, as such a diet must be balanced regardless of whether we eat meat, fish, or are vegetarian... The fact is there is a need for a complete dietary approach, such as the Mediterranean diet, to help reduce the health risks we are exposed to."
