This state-of-the-art paper discusses specific dietary and lifestyle strategies that can considerably and immediately improve postprandial glucose and lipid levels, inflammation, and endothelial function and, in the long-term, help improve cardiovascular health. The authors first underline the fact that when our modern calorie-dense/nutrient-poor diet composed of easily digested foods is combined with a sedentary lifestyle and abdominal obesity, this leads to an exaggerated postprandial state characterized by supraphysiological postprandial spikes in blood glucose and lipids. This postprandial dysmetabolism induces an oxidant stress that triggers atherogenic changes such as inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, which can eventually lead to atherosclerotic risk factors and coronary artery disease. The authors indicate that a diet rich in minimally processed, high-fibre, plant-based foods, as well as whole grains, legumes, and nuts would markedly reduce postprandial dysmetabolism. Additionally, the authors recommend the consumption of an anti-inflammatory diet composed of lean protein, fish oil, vinegar, light to moderate alcohol intake as well as calorie restriction, weight loss, and physical activity in order to prevent coronary heart disease and diabetes.
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