The Best Foods to Eat for a Heart-Healthy Diet

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Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States today. Thirty percent of the adult population and nearly a third of all children in the U.S. are obese. While a large part of this problem can be attributed to a lack of regular physical activity, an equally large part is the prevalence of unhealthy foods in the diets of most Americans. It is important to know not only what foods are bad for your heart, but what foods are good for it.

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Good Fats

Not all fats are bad. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as certain fatty acids like Omega-3, are actually needed by the body, and are thought to raise HDL cholesterol (which in turn, lowers LDL cholesterol). These good fats are liquid at room temperature, whereas fats that are generally solid at room temperature contain saturated and trans fats--a good rule of thumb to use when shopping and cooking. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to both lowered LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol, and to arterial health. Omega-3 can be found in fish and nuts.

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in seafood like salmon, as well as nuts such as walnuts and almonds.

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Olive oil
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Monounsaturated & Polyunsaturated Fats

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are generally found together, and are present in canola, vegetable and olive oils (of these, olive oil is the healthiest), as well as nuts, avocados and seafood. Although healthier than the alternatives, these good fats are still fats, and so the key is moderation. If you eat more calories than you burn, you will gain weight, and being overweight is the number one indicator of probable heart problems.

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A bowl of oatmeal with blue berries and strawberries
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Other Heart-Healthy Foods

Heart-healthy foods that aren't fats inlude oatmeal, apples, blueberries and other fruits, red wine (in moderation: studies show one or two glasses a day can be beneficial to your heart), whole grains, green vegetables, tomatoes and soy (found in tofu, an excellent substitute for red meat).

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