Good nutrition and heart health go hand in hand; one cannot say that a person with a healthy heart neglects their diet. However, this is not enough; a healthy heart diet requires eating specific foods and avoiding others, according to the Cleveland Clinic website. Following a suitable diet for heart health leads to reduced cholesterol and harmful cholesterol levels, as well as decreased blood sugar and triglyceride levels.
For example, potassium, found in many vegetables and fruits, can limit blood pressure, which affects heart health. Most importantly, choosing the right diet will address risk factors for heart disease and its issues. In other words, eating healthy food can reduce or even eliminate the chances of future health problems.
The foods required in a heart diet are as follows:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Nuts
- Whole grains
- Lean animal protein
- Fish
As for the foods to avoid:
- Trans fats
- Saturated fats
- Processed meats
- Red meats
- Refined carbohydrates such as cookies and pastries
- Sweetened beverages like soda
