The Best Foods You Can Eat to Prevent Heart Disease

Though diet isn’t the only contributor to heart disease, many people continuously eat the wrong foods without making the switch to healthier alternatives. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and the CDCwarns major risk factors include poor diet, overweight and obesity, and diabetes. You don’t have to quit all “bad” foods right away. You can, however, start incorporating healthier foods into your meals and snacks.

Here’s what you should start eating more of every day.

Chicken, turkey, and (occasional) lean red meat

                                         Get inspired by trying new meat recipes. | Geshas/iStock/Getty Images

Eating too much red meat doesn’t just increase your heart disease risk, warns The New York Times. You’re also at risk for developing diabetes, kidney disease, and infections. Choosing sources of lean meat whenever possible helps protect your heart from harm. Turkey, chicken, and lean beef and pork are safe to eat in smaller amounts. One of the best things you can do for your health is make sources of animal protein a part of your diet, but not the majority of your daily calories.

Fish and seafood

Get your daily fix of fish. | Amarita/iStock/Getty Images

When choosing healthy foods, don’t forget about ocean-dwellers. According to The Nutrition Source, fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can significantly reduce your heart disease risk. Your heart can really benefit from eating fish several times per week. Albacore tuna, wild Alaskan salmon, oysters, and sardines are among the healthiest fish you can eat. If you enjoy shellfish, crab, lobster, and shrimp also provide benefits for heart health.

Nuts and seeds

Grab a handful of healthy nuts for a quick nourishing snack. | Amarita/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Nuts and seeds aren’t always the best snacks — if you eat too many of them, you can end up significantly increasing your calorie intake. However, you can use both these add-ins to increase your intake of fiber, healthy fats, and protein as you enjoy other healthy foods. You can add seeds to oatmeal, homemade smoothies, and salads. If you’re looking for a creative way to make your favorite desserts heart-healthy, try adding nuts.

Whole grains

Whole-grain cereal is filling and healthy. | Yulia_Davidovich/iStock/Getty Images

It’s time to ditch the white bread, instant oatmeal, and sugar-coated breakfast cereal. The American Heart Association says true whole grains — everything from wheat to whole oats to amaranth and quinoa — can increase your fiber intake, improving your heart health. Be aware that just because a processed food is “made with whole grains” doesn’t mean it’s free of refined grains and added sugars. It’s best to start with your own grains and go from there.

Fruits and vegetables

Your heart is craving healthy veggie-filled dishes. | GuruXOOX/iStock/Getty Images

Are you eating enough produce? Fruits and vegetables promote heart health, improve digestion, and decrease your risk of developing certain cancers. Their high fiber content can reduce total blood cholesterol levels — an important consideration when assessing your heart disease risk. When you fill up on fruits and vegetables instead of nutrition-deprived foods, you decrease your chances of eating too much salt, saturated fat, and added sugars.

Beans

Make a pot of fresh beans for quick dinners throughout the week. | Piyaset/iStock/Getty Images

According to Rodale’s Organic Life, beans provide fiber and protein to reduce hunger. The more you can control your appetite, the less likely you are to overeat and increase your disease risk. Replacing a few servings of red meat every week with beans also cuts some saturated fat from your diet. Thankfully, beans are easy to make — and there’s a lot you can do with them. Start with plain beans and turn them into a side dish you’ll never forget.

Other habits that prevent heart disease

Staying active is good for your heart. | VladTeodor/iStock/Getty Images

Eating right, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting your alcohol intake all decrease your disease risk — but that’s not all. Here’s what Mayo Clinic recommends if you want to protect your heart in the long-term.

• Exercise for 30 minutes per day, at least five days per week.
• Make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
• Practice healthy stress management techniques.

All this doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to relax, have fun, or enjoy your favorite foods. Healthy foods and exercise should be part of your daily routine. It might seem like an impossible adjustment at first, but if you stick with it, you’ll be amazed how it will change your life for the better.

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