A healthy diet can protect the heart, but many are confused about what’s best, survey shows
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Americans. One in five people die from heart conditions in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Doctors say following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can protect the heart, but a new national survey by the Cleveland Clinic suggests many Americans may have misconceptions about what’s best.
The survey, conducted online with a representative sample of 1,000 Americans, revealed many Americans have misconceptions about which diet is the healthiest.
Most Americans reported they believed low-fat and low-carb diets were the most heart-healthy. Only 15% selected the Mediterranean diet, which the Clinic recommends, as the healthiest. One in ten people surveyed said a fast-food diet is best for your heart.
Too, respondents reported barriers to eating healthy foods. Nearly half said they struggle to eat healthy food because of the cost of groceries and about