A healthy food pyramid to prevent or treat heart disease begins with the foundation, which consists of the foods you should eat most. The pyramid works its way up with foods to be eaten in smaller portions. Food at the top of the pyramid provides the least benefits, but can be eaten in smaller quantities. A heart-healthy diet helps reduce high cholesterol and blood pressure levels that lead to heart disease and also reduces the risk of heart attack.
Foundation
Grains make a good foundation with breads, cereals, rice and pasta, according to the Franklin Institute, which recommends six to 11 servings a day. The grain group also includes starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, peas and lima beans, MedlinePlus notes. These low-fat, low-cholesterol foods contain heart-healthy fiber, iron, B vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates. Grain products should include plenty of whole-grain breads, pastas and other whole-wheat foods rich in fiber.
Fiber and Nutrients
Fruits and vegetables sit on top of grains on the pyramid, although some diets group fruits, vegetables and grains together. Low in fat and cholesterol, fruits and vegetables also contain high amounts of fiber, vitamins and minerals. MedlinePlus recommends five or more servings a day. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables with different colors provides a wide range of nutrients.
Protein
Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dry beans and nuts provide plenty of healthy protein with two to three servings a day. MedlinePlus recommends no more than 6 oz. of meat, poultry or fish daily and no more than three or four egg yolks a week for heart health. Poultry should be eaten without the fatty skin. Trim meats of all visible fat. Other sources of protein include dairy products, but choose low-fat or fat-free foods.
Fats
Fats, sweets and oils stand at the top of the pyramid and make up the smallest amounts of foods eaten. Use no more than 5 to 8 tsp. of fats or oil a day to prevent heart disease, advises MedlinePlus. Saturated fats, often from animal products, should make up about 10 percent of your daily calories.
Reduction
Your doctor may recommend reducing salt intake if you have heart disease or heart disease risks, such as family history of heart disease, having diabetes or being overweight. Eating too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure, a risk factor in heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 1 tsp. of salt a day. Read ingredient labels on canned or processed foods, which often contain high amounts of salt.
Mediterranean Style
The Mediterranean diet, which mimics the diet of countries of the Mediterranean Sea, has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of heart disease, according to MayoClinic.com. The diet puts fruits, vegetables, grains, olive oil, beans, nuts, legumes, herbs and spices at the foundation. Every meal is based on these foods. Fish and poultry are recommended at least twice a week. The diet groups red meat with sweets at the top of the pyramid.
