Heart Healthy

[Guest guest]

I have previously posted news from Harvard's news letter. Today there is an

interesting article on a heart healthy diet.

Medically reviewed by lyn Carson-DeWitt, MD. When it comes to boosting

heart health, your diet plays a huge role. You are, after all, what you eat -

which is why, when you consume a nutrient-deficient diet that's high in

saturated fats, trans fats and sodium, you significantly increase your chances

of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease.

You also risk gaining weight, which could further jeopardize heart function. So

how can you make your diet more heart-friendly and still please your family's

taste buds? Fortunately, all you need to do is make a few simple tweaks.

Stock your kitchen with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables instead. " Unlike

processed foods, these whole foods provide an abundance of disease-fighting

properties that reduce heart disease risk, " says Sari Greaves, RD, CDN, New York

City-based spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association and dietitian at

Step Ahead Weight Loss Center in Bedminster, N.J. The bonus? Whole foods are

usually low in calories but high in fiber, so they'll fill you up on fewer

calories - which could help you maintain or lose weight. One caveat: When buying

whole-grain foods like cereals or breads, make sure the label says " whole " and

each serving contains at least three grams of fiber.

More of this article can be found at this web site:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/heart-health/heart-healthy-family-diet.aspx

Here's to your heart health,

Lottie