What are some healthy food choices for the heart?
Start with these strategies to kick-start your way toward a heart-healthy diet. 1. Limit unhealthy fats and cholesterol. Of the possible changes, limiting how much saturated and trans fat you eat is the most important step you can take to reduce your blood cholesterol and lower your risk of coronary artery disease. A high blood cholesterol level can lead to a buildup of plaques in your arteries, called atherosclerosis, which can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. The American Heart Association offers these guidelines for how much fat and cholesterol to include in a heart-healthy diet: Type of fat Recommendation Saturated fat Less than 7 percent of your total daily calories Trans fat Less than 1 percent of your total daily calories Cholesterol Less than 300 milligrams a day for healthy adults; less than 200 milligrams a day for adults with high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol or those who are taking cholesterol-lowering medication The best way
