A cardiac soft diet is a diet that supports heart health and is texturally soft. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, but, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), it is preventable through diet and lifestyle interventions. A soft diet is designed for people with certain medical conditions who have difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Cardiac Diet
Heart disease occurs when an excess amount of fat builds up in the arteries. A cardiac diet aims to reduce fatty buildup in the arteries and prevent risk factors for heart disease like obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and high cholesterol.
The AHA says cardiac diets limit saturated and trans-fats, cholesterol and sodium. Saturated and trans-fats are found in butter, lard, partially hydrogenated oil, shortening, margarine and coconut and palm oil. Cholesterol is a type of fat found in animal products like fatty meat, chicken skin, cream, egg yolks and organ meats. High-sodium foods that are limited include canned and processed foods, instant soup, rice, pasta and gravy mixes, salty snacks like chips and crackers, sausage and bacon.
Soft Diet
A soft diet is often prescribed for people who have had heart surgery, stroke victims and elderly people who have difficulty chewing or swallowing. According to Greenwich Hospital, foods included on a soft diet are dairy products, white bread and refined grains, fruit juices, soft or cooked fruits and vegetables, lean meat, fish and poultry, mild-flavored cheese, yogurt, smooth peanut butter, potatoes and pastas. Foods avoided on a soft diet include coarse cereals, toast, whole grains, nuts, seeds, strong-smelling cheeses, tough cuts of meat, raw or stringy fruits and vegetables and fried foods.
Guidelines
The AHA encourages people on a cardiac diet to eat at least 4 ½ cups of fruits and vegetables a day. Soft fruits and vegetables include canned fruit, frozen fruits and vegetables that have been cooked, mashed potatoes, ripe bananas, apple sauce and 100 percent juices. Canned vegetables should be limited or avoided because they tend to be high in sodium.
The healthiest dairy products are low in fat, like skim milk and fat-free yogurt. Cheese is only OK in small amounts, because it can be high in sodium. All visible fat and skin should be removed from meat and poultry to reduce the fat and cholesterol content. The AHA recommends eating fish at least twice a week because it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent heart disease. The healthiest fats on a cardiac diet are unsaturated fats from olive and vegetable oils, nuts, avocado and fish. While whole grains are generally considered heart healthy, they are not allowed on a soft diet because they can be hard to swallow and digest. Individuals on a cardiac soft diet should consult a physician prior to consuming whole grains.
Cooking
A cardiac soft diet uses minimal oil for cooking and healthy cooking methods, like grilling, broiling, roasting, baking, poaching, boiling and steaming. The Mayo Clinic recommends replacing high-sodium seasonings like salt, soy sauce and canned soups with herbs, spices, salt-substitutes and reduced-sodium soy sauce. Cooking for a soft diet should ensure that fruits and vegetables are well cooked and meat is tender. In some instances, food may have to be chopped or minced into fine pieces to make it texturally appropriate.
Physical Activity
A cardiac soft diet should be balanced with physical activity, because regular exercise helps prevent heart disease. The AHA encourages adults to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week.
