Eating the right foods can reduce your risk of having a heart attack. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Mayo Clinic suggests that diet is an important factor in the development of heart disease. Knowing which foods to choose is the first step in reducing your risk for developing this disease.
Fresh Vegetables
Most vegetables are high in nutrition and naturally low in calories, and eating them fresh is the best way to stay healthy. Many vegetables contain insoluble fiber, which adds bulk to the food so that you feel more satisfied after meals and less likely to snack on unhealthy sweets.
Whole Grains
Foods containing whole grains, like whole wheat bread, are good for you and will not contribute to heart disease. Whole grains can reduce cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels are a major risk factor in the development of coronary artery disease which is the most common type of heart disease, according to MedlinePlus.
Soluble Fiber
Soluble fiber is another type of fiber that is healthy for your heart. Soluble fiber, like that found in oatmeal and bananas, can increase your "good" cholesterol and reduce the type of cholesterol that clogs arteries, which helps reduce the risk of coronary disease.
Meats
Processed meats, like sausages and hot dogs, contain a lot of fat. Choose fresh meats, like chicken or beef with the fat trimmed off, and eat these meats in small quantities to further reduce the risk for developing coronary heart disease. Certain types of fish are nutritious and contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce blood cholesterol levels. The Mayo Clinic suggests eating one or two servings of fish each week.
Low-Fat Foods
A diet very low in fat does not significantly contribute to heart disease. Choose skim milk over whole milk and seek out reduced-fat cheeses. Eat egg whites and avoid the yolks to get much of the nutrition you need from eggs without getting as much cholesterol.
Low-Sodium Foods
Choose fresh foods over processed foods, which may contain high amounts of sodium. Use herbs and spices instead of table salt to flavor foods.
Low-Calorie Snacks
Opt for a large bowl of fresh fruit or munch on a bowl of whole grain cereal instead of a sugary snack. Choose a low calorie diet to help maintain a healthy weight. The National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute names obesity as a risk factor for developing coronary artery disease, which kills more than half a million Americans each year.
