Coronary artery disease, also known as coronary heart disease, is often treated through medication, medical procedures and/or dietary lifestyle changes, such as adhering to a heart-healthy diet. The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests a healthy diet as a primary tool toward fighting heart disease. Seek your doctor's approval prior to making dietary or lifestyle changes.
Function
A healthy diet for coronary artery disease promotes heart and arterial health and helps prevent further heart-related heart complications from occurring. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, dietary treatment for the disease also aims to reduce a person's sodium (salt) and saturated fat intake and manage unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Best Foods
Ideal food choices for a person with coronary artery disease include fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates, lean protein sources and healthy fats. The AHA suggests a nutrient-rich diet based on colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables, as they support healthy blood pressure and weight management. Whole grains and starchy vegetables are optimum carbohydrate choices, as they provide vitamins, minerals and valuable amounts of dietary fiber. Ideal protein sources include low-fat dairy products, legumes, tofu, skinless/white-meat poultry and fish. Healthy fats are found in nuts, seeds and plant-based oils, such as olive and canola oil.
Worst Foods
Certain foods can increase a person's risk for high cholesterol, weight gain and heart disease. The AHA recommends that no more than 7 percent of a person's daily calories stem from saturated fats, commonly found in red meat, high-fat dairy products, butter and poultry fat. Trans fats, found in margarine, shortening and numerous commercially prepared cookies, chips, pie crust and other baked goods, should account for no more than 1 percent. A study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in May, 2004, showed a correlation between increased intake of refined carbohydrates, such as enriched white bread and added sugars, and diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Though additional studies are needed, complex carbohydrates are suggested over refined carbohydrates for best results.
Benefits
Benefits of a heart-healthy diet exceed cardiovascular health alone. A diet rich in nutrients supports a strong immune system, which reduces a person's risk for viruses, infections and numerous diseases. Since a heart-healthy diet is rich in dietary fiber, it also supports digestive health and reduces risk for constipation, upset stomach (dyspepsia) and heartburn. A healthy diet is also associated with improved moods, blood sugar balance and positive energy and may lead to a longer life.
Suggestions
Increasing intake of fruits and vegetables or incorporating them into most meals and snacks is a positive first step toward improving heart health. The AHA suggests replacing refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and sweets, with whole, unrefined grains. They also suggest consuming fatty fish, such as salmon or tuna, at least twice per week. Fats high in saturated or trans fats should be enjoyed on an occasional, modest basis only. Consuming appropriate amounts of calories daily, choosing more natural, whole foods than processed foods and partaking in regular physical activity are also recommended.
