Nutrition Tips for Heart Health

The most effective heart-healthy eating patterns are the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet. Both emphasize vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil while limiting red meat, processed foods, and sugar.

Choose healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, fish) over saturated fats (butter, lard, processed meats). Eat fatty fish at least twice a week.

Keep daily salt intake below 5 grams (one teaspoon). Watch for hidden salt in soups, chips, pickled foods, and deli meats.

High-fiber foods (oats, barley, legumes) help lower cholesterol. Aim for at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.