Heart health should be a concern for everyone, and there are steps you can take today to decrease your risk of heart disease and increase your overall health. You do not necessarily have to make huge life changes today, even small steps count toward a healthy heart. And learning about the role fats play in your diet can contribute to a healthy life.
The Role Fats Play in Having a Healthy Heart
In general choose unsaturated: monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy heart.
- Consume monounsaturated fats such as vegetable oils, avocados, peanut butter, nuts and seeds. These fats lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good (HDL) cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.
- Eat polyunsaturated fats in plant-based foods and oils.
- Incorporate Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet-- Fish, nuts, flax seeds, flaxseed oil, leafy vegetables and some vegetable oils, like olive oil.
- Avoid trans fat which raise LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol.
- Limit saturated fats like those found in meat and dairy products and eat healthier unsaturated options more often.
- Eat unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruit and nuts as much as possible.
To learn more about your heart health or to have a HeartView scan call 866-431-WELL.
