In the prevention of cardiovascular disease,carbohydrates should make up 55-60% of the total daily energy requirement. Complex carbohydrates from cereal products are recommended: coarse groats, pasta, brown rice, whole grain bread and pulses, potatoes. In the prevention of cardiovascular disease, simple sugars are limited, e.g.: sucrose, fructose, glucose. It is recommended that they provide no more than 10% of daily energy requirements. What is the reason for this? An increased intake of simple sugars contributes to an increase in blood triglyceride levels, causes increased synthesis of VLDL lipoproteins, the deposition of fat in the form of adipose tissue. Simple sugars are found in the following products: sweets, honey, sugar, high-sugar jams and marmalades, confectionery.

A very important non-absorbable carbohydrate that is essential for the prevention of cardiovascular disease is dietary fibre. It is found in unrefined cereal products, raw vegetables and fruits, dried fruits, pulses. The 2012 European Guidelines recommend that it should be consumed in an amount of approximately 30-45 g per day, half of the recommended amount coming from fruit and vegetables, which are sources of soluble fibre. Soluble fibre has many important functions in the human body. As regards the cardiovascular system, it contributes to lowering serum cholesterol levels, increases faecal fat excretion, binds bile acids, and delays the absorption of triglycerides.

When choosing the main source of energy in the diet, it is necessary to reach for whole grains, the least refined products possible, limit the consumption of sweets, confectionery, which are a source of simple sugars. By following this rule, we will provide our body with vitamins and minerals, but we will also guard against obesity and the development of diseases.