Heart-Healthy Diet: 8 Simple Yet Effective Tips You Must Know

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the keys to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. As you know certain foods can raise your heart disease risk, your food choices have a strong impact on your heart and overall health. If you want to make your diet heart-healthy, we have some tips for you. These tips will help you formulate a healthy eating pattern that is good for your heart and overall well-being.

Diet tips for a healthier heart

1. Choose whole foods

Incorporate whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds into your diet. Processed foods and grains are nutritionally deprived and lack fibre.

2. Minimize salt and sugar intake

Cut back on sugary foods and drinks, especially those with added sugar. Too much sugar is not just bad for your heart but also increases body weight and contributes to several other health issues. Also, reduce salt intake. Consuming too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure which is one of the risk factors for heart disease.

3. Choose right protein sources.

For a healthy heart, choose lean protein sources. Lean meat, poultry and fish; low-fat or fat-free dairy products; and eggs are some of the best sources of protein.

4. Snack wisely

You are most likely to eat unhealthy while snacking. Therefore, load your pantry with healthy snacking options like nuts, fruits, or yogurt over chips or sugary treats. This will also help maintain energy levels and curb hunger between meals.

5. Choose healthy fats

Contrary to popular belief, fats are good for your heart and overall health. However, it is important to choose the right type of fat and should be consumed in moderation. Opt for unsaturated fats found in olive oil, avocados, and fatty fish like salmon and mackerel.

6. Focus on fruits and vegetables

Vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamins and minerals. They're also low in calories. Vegetables and fruits are also rich in fibre and many other plant compounds that may help reduce heart disease risk.

7. What to avoid

Limit consumption of sugary drinks, highly processed foods, saturated fats, foods with added sugar and refined flour and high-sodium items.

These simple yet effective tips can make a significant difference in your heart health and overall well-being.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.