Healthy Habits: Food and American Heart Month

 

The month of February is American Heart Month which is a month meant to draw attention to cardiovascular health. Diet plays a vital role in a healthy heart and decreasing the odds of heart disease. 

Jamie Feit, MS RD, and Ricci-Lee Hotz, MS RDN have shared foods to add more of and foods to avoid:

"Foods to Implement

The best way to maintain heart health is to consume a high fiber diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits and  whole grains. In an umbrella review of dietary  factors and cardiovascular disease, it was found that a high fiber vegetarian diet reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Foods to Avoid:

Processed foods as well as foods containing high amounts of sugar, saturated fat and sodium should be avoided."

Jamie Feit, MS RD and Expert at Testing.com

"Foods to Implement

In order to maintain a heart health, it is important to consume a diet filled with high fiber whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, potatoes, sweet potato, etc), lean meats/fish or plant based proteins (chicken breasts, lean turkey, white fish or salmon and tuna (higher in healthy fats),nuts, seeds, beans and legumes), plenty of fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, flax, avocado, etc.

Foods to Avoid:

Foods that should be limited include high fat meats, high sodium pre-prepared meals, deep fried foods, high simple sugar treats and desserts."

Ricci-Lee Hotz, MS RDN and Expert at Testing.com