A new study led by Canadian researchers analyzing data from several regions around the world has found that not consuming enough of six combined major foods may be associated with increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and related deaths among adults.

The researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton, as well as the Population Health Research Institute, focused on foods considered healthy globally, using numerous independent studies and data, to understand the health statuses of people with or without cardiovascular diseases.

The study, published on Thursday in the peer-reviewed "European Heart Journal," found that people who consumed fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fish, and full-fat dairy products were able to reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, and strokes. Additionally, moderate consumption of unrefined whole grains and unprocessed meats can also help reduce these health risks.

The data taken from the study included the dietary score based on the potential Urban and Rural Epidemiology Institute study, which includes data from people who have not previously had cardiovascular diseases in high, middle, and low-income countries. The results they reached also included research from various studies involving 245,000 people in 80 countries.

According to the study, adopting a diet based solely on natural foods helped these researchers gain a broader scope where previous studies focused on Western-dominated countries whose diets include unhealthy highly processed foods.

Study author Andrew Mitter said in a press release issued Thursday: "We have been unique in this focus," adding that the other diet combines foods considered harmful such as processed and over-processed foods and foods and nutrients believed to be protective for one’s health.

The World Health Organization estimates that 17.9 million people die from cardiovascular diseases each year, representing nearly 32% of all global deaths, of which 85% were all related to heart attacks and strokes.

In Canada, about 2.6 million Canadians over the age of twenty live with heart diseases. Strokes have also increased in recent years, as shown in the 2022 report issued by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The organization found that one stroke occurs every five minutes in Canada, leading to an average of 108,707 strokes per year.

However, Canadians can reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases by following a healthy diet, staying physically active, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption, according to the World Health Organization.