What to Eat for a Healthy Heart

There are various types of heart disease, each with distinct characteristics and implications for heart health. Healthy eating does play a pivotal role in heart health and preventing (other) heart disease.

By choosing foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, you can suport your heart. The American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of a balanced, heart-healthy eating pattern to help lower your risk of heart-related complications. For example, a diet rich in nutrients and low in saturated fat and cholesterol can significantly lower the risk of coronary heart disease.

So, adopting a healthy eating pattern for your heart is essential. These patterns emphasize the inclusion of healthy fats, such as those found in fish, nuts, and olive oil, while limiting foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol, as found in highly processed food and fatty meat. Incorporating nutrient-dense foods into your diet, such as leafy greens, berries, and legumes, can help lower cholesterol levels and manage high blood pressure, further lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables ensures a supply of essential vitamins and antioxidants, which protect the heart from damage. Whole grains and legumes provide fiber and nutrients that improve heart health and help lower the risk of heart disease. Also, make sure to include specific foods known for their heart-boosting properties. Oats, rich in soluble fiber, can help lower cholesterol levels, while fatty fish like salmon provide omega-3 fatty acids that support cardiovascular health.

By establishing a heart-healthy eating routine, you can support overall heart health and maintain a healthy lifestyle.