8 Heart Healthy Foods to Incorporate Into Your Diet

Healthy food doesn’t mean boring food! By incorporating these 8 heart healthy foods into your diet, you can maintain a delicious and nutritious diet that will help protect your heart health and keep you full and satisfied. Try the following recipes to see just how delicious heart healthy eating can be!

 

 

1) Eat a lot of Vegetables

Eating a lot of vegetables is one of the best things you can do for your heart health. They are low in calories and fat, and high in fiber and nutrients. Plus, they can help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Aim to fill half your plate with vegetables at every meal.

 

2) Avoid Processed Foods

Processed foods are one of the worst things you can eat if you're trying to maintain a heart healthy diet. They're usually high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and sugar - all of which can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Instead, focus on incorporating these eight heart healthy foods into your diet

 

3) Snack on Nuts

Nuts are a great heart healthy food to snack on. They are packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Plus, they are low in calories. almonds, cashews, pistachios, and walnuts are all great options. Just be sure to watch your portion size, as it is easy to overeat nuts.

 

4) Take Omega-3 Fatty Acids

One way to make sure you're incorporating heart healthy foods into your diet is by taking omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the heart. They also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Plus, they can improve your mood and cognitive function. You can find omega-3 fatty acids in fish, nuts, seeds, and certain oils.

 

5) Use Olive Oil in Every Meal

If you're looking to heart healthy foods to incorporate into your diet, look no further than olive oil. This monounsaturated fat can help lower your LDL cholesterol levels (the bad cholesterol) and improve your HDL cholesterol levels (the good cholesterol). Plus, olive oil can also help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Use olive oil in every meal, from cooking eggs in the morning to making a salad for lunch or roasting vegetables for dinner.

 

6) Have Fish at Least Twice a Week

Eating fish is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Why? Fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are incredible for your cardiovascular health. In fact, research has shown that people who eat fish regularly are less likely to experience heart disease. Not sure how to cook fish? No problem! There are plenty of easy recipes online.

Other Heart Healthy Foods to Eat (five sentences):

In addition to fish, there are other foods that are great for your heart.

 

7) Cook with Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is not only a heart healthy food, but it can also help improve your cholesterol levels. When used in place of other oils, it can help reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. Coconut oil can also help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Try using it in place of other oils when cooking or baking. You can also add it to smoothies or use it as a healthy alternative to butter.

 

8) Limit Your Red Meat Intake

Red meat has been linked with an increased risk of heart disease. Try to limit your intake of red meat and instead focus on incorporating more heart healthy foods into your diet. Some great heart healthy options include: fish, chicken, beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds. These foods are not only good for your heart, but they are also packed with other nutrients that your body needs to function properly. So make sure to incorporate them into your diet in order to live a long and healthy life.