CLEVELAND, OHIO – The heart is the engine that keeps the body running, responsible for circulating blood, regulating blood pressure, and sustaining life. As such a vital organ, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet to keep the heart in good shape. The American Heart Association and the US Department of Health and Human Services advocate for specific food choices to promote heart health, aiming to reduce the risk of other cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
It is important to maintain a healthy heart, and one way to achieve this is through a heart-healthy diet. This diet typically includes a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods provide essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support a healthy heart.
To maintain a heart-healthy diet, it’s recommended to limit the intake of trans fats, saturated fats, processed meats, excess salt, excess sugar, refined carbohydrates, red meat, and excess alcohol. While it’s okay to indulge in less heart-healthy foods occasionally, it’s beneficial to incorporate as many heart-healthy foods as possible into your meals.
Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean and plant proteins, and healthy fats are key components of a heart-healthy diet. These foods are rich in essential nutrients and provide numerous health benefits for the heart. Consuming heart-healthy foods can help lower the risk of developing cardiovascular conditions and improve overall heart health.
Incorporating heart-healthy foods into your diet can have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. By choosing the right foods and maintaining a balanced diet, individuals can support their heart health and reduce the risk of heart-related issues. Additionally, combining a heart-healthy diet with regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques can further enhance overall cardiovascular well-being.