Keep Your Heart Strong and Healthy In the U.S. Heart disease is a leading cause of death. In 2007, he was the leading cause of death in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, killing one person every 34 seconds in U.S. only. Each year, millions of people suffer from this disease, and one of the main reasons why it is a poor diet. Although you might know eating certain foods can increase your risk of heart disease, it is often difficult to change your eating habits. As such, it is very important for us to be aware of the correct diet to follow to avoid becoming a victim of heart disease.
We need to reduce foods that are high in saturated fats and trans fats because they help increase the level of cholesterol in our body which in turn leads to heart disease and a condition called atherosclerosis that causes heart attacks and stroke . To do this, we need to consume less solid fats like butter, margarine, lard, bacon, gravy, cream sauce, cream, not milk, cocoa butter, shortening, cookies, crackers and potato chips. We can use products like low fat yogurt and salsa as substitutes. For cooking, we need to use mono saturated fats such as olive oil and canola oil instead of coconut, palm, cottonseed and palm kernel oils.
We should get our daily protein sources low in fat rather than high in fat. Lean meats, poultry, fish, legumes such as peas, beans and lentils, skim or lowfat milk, low fat yogurt, poultry without skin and seeds and soy products soybeans are excellent sources of protein. We must avoid whole milk, organ meats, egg yolks, fatty meats, sausages, fried or canned meats and sausages.
Vegetables and fruits are a good source of vitamins and minerals may help prevent cardiovascular disease and as such we should learn to include a good amount of fruit and vegetables in our diet. However, we must avoid vegetables with creamy sauces, fried or breaded vegetables and canned fruit. Whole grains are also a good source of fiber and nutrients and also help to regulate the pressure of the heart. We need to eat foods such as whole wheat flour, whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole grain pasta, oatmeal and ground flaxseed to lower their cholesterol and avoid foods like muffins, waffles, cornbread, nut paste, biscuits, breads, granola bars, cakes, pies, egg noodles, cakes and pies.
People who eat lots of salt are prone to hypertension, which is a symptom of heart disease. The American Heart Association suggests that adults should consume less than 2,300 milligrams of salt on a daily basis. We must reduce the amount of salt that we use in the kitchen and also stop eating canned or processed foods that contain lots of salt. We should not use the ketchup and tomato sauces and replace them with herbs, spices and salt reduced versions of condiments. Thus, based on the foods mentioned above that should be eaten for a healthy heart, we need to prepare a chart showing the food we need to consume on a daily basis and follow it properly. We should never eat more than necessary and daily exercise to stay fit and a healthy heart.
A special diet called the Dietary Approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet can also help protect your heart. Following the DASH diet means eating foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and salt. The diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products that can help protect your heart. Legumes, low fat sources of protein and certain types of fish can also reduce the risk of heart disease.
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Posted on February 3, 2010.