You should exclude the following foods from a heart healthy diet:
1 of 5
For a healthy heart, it s wise to avoid foods containing unhealthy fats, most importantly trans-fats. Usually, it is recommended to consume less than 0.5g trans-fat per serving. Trans-fat lowers your good cholesterol level and makes you prone to cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, foods like chocolate milk along with fried foods, sugary snacks, processed foods, etc. should be avoided as they are rich in trans-fats and other unhealthy fat types.
It s OK to replace fats with refined sugar for a healthy heart.
2 of 5
Replacing fats with sugar is never a good idea. You may find several low fat or no fat food items in the market, however they may not be good for your heart; the reason being that fats are often replaced with added sugar in order to improve the taste. Therefore, the sugar undoes all the good that you made while opting for such low fat food items.
You should try and cut down on fats completely from your diet
3 of 5
Not all fats are bad for your heart. To have a healthy ticker, it s recommended to avoid trans-fats and other saturated fats. However, consuming foods rich in unsaturated fats i.e. monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, is good for your heart. These fats improve the good cholesterol level, thereby reducing the risks of any heart disease. Include fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (trout, salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc.) in your diet.
Balancing sodium intake is crucial to avoid heart failure
4 of 5
Regulating your regular sodium intake is important for a healthy heart. Increased sodium consumption increases your blood pressure. This is extremely dangerous for your heart as it increases the odds of heart attack along with other cardiovascular problems. Therefore, adults are advised not to consume more than 2000 mg of sodium per day. Replacing processed food with foods that are labeled unsalted, low sodium or sodium free can help you in this regard.
Including the following food item in your diet will automatically step up your intake of fiber
5 of 5
Both flaxseeds and whole grain pasta have high fiber content. Consuming food items high in fiber will help you control bad cholesterol (LDL) level. Along with this, fibers provide nutrients that protect your heart from different types of threats. A high fiber diet will also help you keep your weight in check. Including high-fiber foods in your diet controls your blood pressure levels as well.