Before we dive in here, let's say: everything in moderation. Unless you already know you have a heart health issue, you don't need to cut out any foods or make drastic changes. We're not saying you can never have another piece of bacon or crack open another soda. Instead, being mindful of what a heart-healthy diet looks like can help you incorporate more of those foods into your meals.
Now, let's talk details. According to the AHA and Department of Health, a heart-healthy diet is rich in:
Produce
Lean proteins
Fiber-rich complex carbs
Healthy fats
A diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy proteins and fats will give your body the fiber, vitamins and minerals it needs to support a healthy heart.
Conversely, if you're trying to boost cardiovascular health, you want to limit your intake of:
Trans fats
Saturated fats
Processed meats (for example, lunch meat, salami and hot dogs)
Excess salt
Excess sugar
Refined carbohydrates (for example, white breads and snacks)
Red meat
Excess alcohol
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