ISSN 2326-7291
International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 13 (8), pp. 001-012, August, 2024. https://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ijphe/table-of-contents © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Exploring the Roles of Dietary Fibers in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Narrative Review
Patricia T Osunu1, *John E. Moyegbone2, Ezekiel U Nwose3,4
1Department of Public Health, Bayelsa Medical University, Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
2Department of Public Health, Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State.
3Department of Public and Community Health, Novena University, Ogume, Nigeria.
4School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba,
Australia.
Abstract
Received 11 July, 2024; Accepted 26 July, 2024 and Published 21 August, 2024
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels, and are the leading causes of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. However, there exist substantial epidemiological evidence indicating a strong relationship between dietary fibre (DF) intake and CVD risk. The review aims to summarize the existing evidence on the relationship between dietary fiber intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Methods: This was a narrative review of more than 75 published publications in Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa, and the rest of the world using search engines including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Mendeley Reference Library. Results: DF consumption may provide direct protection against CVD as well as lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. A recent study linked a higher risk of CVD to the use of ultra-processed foods, which often have low dietary fibre content. Conclusion: This review underline the fact that incorporating dietary fibres into diet is a crucial strategy for reducing the risk and managing the impact of cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of high dietary fibre foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, is recommended for CVD prevention such as heart failure, atherosclerosis, hypertension etc.
Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases, Dietary fibre, Constipation, Cellulose, GIT Motility.