Follow a heart-healthy diet for a hale and hearty life

Many individuals face a tough time when it comes to changing regular eating practices even when they know that a few foods can lead to increased heart disease risks. If you already have unhealthy dining practices or wish to improve your daily diet, you can definitely use a few tips on a heart-healthy diet-

1. Check portion sizes: A bowl or plate can be used for helping in portion control. You should consume bigger portions as far as heart healthy diet foods are concerned, including vegetables and fruits while lowering intake of foods that have high levels of sodium including fast food/junk food and processed items. Keep a tab on the servings consumed by you each day.
2. Eat more vegetables and fruits: these are good sources of vitamins and minerals, while being low in calories and rich in dietary fibre. You can also choose recipes that have vegetables or fruits as the as the main ingredients, to keep cardiovascular diseases at bay.
3. Choose whole grains: Seeking decent fibre and nutrient sources? You can use these for regulation of your blood pressure and for improved heart health. You can steadily scale up whole grain amounts by switching in favour of refined grain based products. You should also try out quinoa, whole grain and barley. Whole-wheat flour, whole-grain pasta and high-fibre cereals can be considered as the best foods for heart health.

4. Limit unhealthy fats: Limiting how much saturated and trans fats you consume can be an effective way to reduce your blood cholesterol and lower your risk of coronary artery disease. Opt for olive/canola oil and other monounsaturated fats and you can also choose Smart Balance/Benecol/Promis Activ among other low cholesterol margarine products in tandem with avocados, nuts and seeds. This is essential to achieve a healthy heart. You can also opt for Nutralite healthy butter as one of the most heart-friendly options.

I am Sagar Nalavade, an expert on healthy eating and offers advice pertaining to cholesterol, weight loss and other tips. He/she offers valuable insights into combating cholesterol with ease.