As someone who is interested in living a long and healthy life, you may have already taken some steps to improve your cardiovascular health. But have you considered how your diet plays a role in heart health? It’s time to take a closer look at what you’re eating and make some changes for the sake of your heart.
Manage Your Diet for a Healthy Heart
You probably already know that heart disease is a major problem in Australia. In fact, it’s the leading cause of death for both men and women. But did you know that diet plays a big role in heart health? That’s right – what you eat (or don’t eat) can have a significant impact on your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Simple changes
Fortunately, making some simple changes to your diet can go a long way towards keeping your heart healthy. In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the best foods to eat (and avoid) for optimal heart health. So, if you’re looking to protect your heart, read on!
Poor Choices
One of the most important things you can do for your heart is to limit your intake of saturated and trans fats. These types of fats are found in many processed and fast foods, as well as in some animal products like red meat and full-fat dairy products. Eating too much saturated and trans-fat can increase the amount of “bad” cholesterol in your body, which can lead to clogged arteries and other problems.
Good Choices
So, what should you eat instead? Good choices include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These foods are rich in dietary fibre, which helps reduce cholesterol levels and keep your arteries clear. They’re also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are good for your overall health.
In addition to making healthy food choices, it’s also important to watch your portion sizes. Overeating can lead to weight gain, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. So, make sure you’re eating only until you’re satisfied – not until you’re stuffed!
Following a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do for your cardiovascular health. By limiting saturated and trans fats, eating plenty of fibre-rich fruits and vegetables, and watching your portion sizes, you can help keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. So next time you sit down to eat, think about how what you’re eating will impact your heart health.
If you’re not sure about how much dietary fat and/or the types of fat which are best for your heart health, book an appointment with a dietician to receive personalized advice.
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