Consumption of Foods, Food Groups, and Cardiometabolic Risk

Knowledge about the effect of regular intake of specific food groups on cardiometabolic health is primarily derived from large prospective cohort studies. With careful study design and analysis, results from observational data offer opportunities for causal inference. Sugar-sweetened beverage intake is consistently associated with increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and type 2 diabetes owing to the excess amounts of added sugar, as well as mediation by increased weight gain. Coffee consumption is associated with lower incidence of CVD, with the largest benefit observed around 3–5 cups/day. Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with lower risk of heart disease, although data on type 2 diabetes is conflicted. Dairy consumption has mixed associations with cardiometabolic diseases, depending on the types of dairy products. Red meat, especially processed red meat, is associated with increased risk of diabetes and CVD. Fish intake is inversely associated with CVD incidence, although high-dose fish oil supplementation does not appear to be beneficial. Regular consumption of whole grains and nuts is associated with lower risk of both diabetes and CVD. Future research should focus on studying food subtypes, as well as adopting a holistic view of nutrition.