8 Ways to Prevent Coronary Artery Disease Through Diet

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8 Ways to Prevent Coronary Artery Disease Through Diet

JoAnn Guest

May 09, 2006 14:18 PDT

 

http://www.drweil.com/u/Page/General279/

 

 

 

The best way to prevent heart disease is by modifying lifestyle.

Your diet is one area that is under your control and slight

alterations can make a big impact on heart health. Begin

incorporating the following healthy habits into your diet:

 

 

Limit the amount of saturated fat in your diet, and avoid

polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all

partially hydrogenated oils, and all foods that might contain

trans-fatty acids (such as deep-fried foods). These can clog

arteries

and raise bad cholesterol levels.

 

Avoid fast foods and highly processed foods, which can be high in

calories and lead to weight gain - a contributing factor in heart

health.

 

Eat more fruits and vegetables - they provide antioxidants and fiber

for overall health benefits.

 

Eat garlic. It can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and

thin the blood.

 

Increase omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

from fish and fortified eggs. If you don't eat fish, I would

recommend taking a fish oil supplement. The omega-3 fatty acids they

contain have

been shown to be an effective preventive strategy against heart

disease, and they can lower triglycerides, increase HDL (good)

cholesterol, help

minimize inflammation and blood clotting, and keep blood vessels

healthy.

 

Substitute green tea for coffee. An antioxidant-rich brew, green tea

has

polyphenols which have heart-protective effects. Dark chocolate is

another good source of polyphenols.

 

Eat whole grains, nuts, and seeds for their fiber and other

protective

factors. At the same time, decrease the amount of white bread, pasta

and other refined carbohydrates in your diet.

 

Monitor your sodium intake - always taste foods before salting, and

try not to salt at all. Avoid adding salt when cooking, too.

 

 

 

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets