Eating for a Healthy Heart

Heart disease accounts for about one third of all adult deaths, but dietary changes would help prevent it.

• Eat more fiber

It can be found in whole grain cereals and breads, fresh fruit and vegetables, dried beans, peas, and lentils. Fiber reduces the amount of fat and cholesterol you absorb while digesting fatty foods.

• Eat less saturated fats.

Cut down on fatty foods, choosing lean meats and polyunsaturated vegetable oil such as olive oil. Eat more fish and poultry, and switch to skimmed milk and low-fat dairy products.

• Cut down on fats and sugar.

     Avoid fats and highly refined sugary foods, such as ice cream, cookies, cakes, and many processed products.

• Keep your weight down.

Obesity is known to increase your risk of coronary heart disease.

• Eat only four eggs a week.

They are high in cholesterol.

• Reduce your salt intake.

It may raise your blood pressure, which in turn increases your risk of developing coronary heart disease.