If you have peripheral artery disease, a vascular problem that causes poor circulation in the legs, dietary changes can improve your prognosis. The American Heart Association, or AHA, recommends eating heart-healthy foods that are low in saturated fat to combat atherosclerosis, or blocked arteries. You can replace the unhealthy fat content in your diet with greater intake of omega-3 fatty acids, and nutrition known to fight heart disease, such as iron, and dietary fiber.
Oily Fish
To limit saturated fat in your diet, choose an oily fish such as salmon, halibut or trout in place of meat. These oily fish contain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may reduce your risk of a fatal cardiovascular event, the AHA relates. Three-oz. servings of these fish also have fewer calories than fatty cuts of beef and chicken, helping you control your weight. Gaining weight raises your risk for heart disease.
Legumes
Legumes represent an alternative protein source to fish and meats, with only traces of saturated fat. Split peas, lentils and dry beans such as kidney, lima, pinto, black and navy beans all have high iron content, defined by the FDA as 20 percent or more of total daily iron values. The AHA reports that the soluble fiber content in legumes may help reduce your blood cholesterol levels. As a bonus, the insoluble fiber content fills you up to prevent overeating and weight gain.
Whole Grains
Grain foods offer large amounts of iron and fiber, and almost no saturated fat. Whole grains include unrefined whole-wheat flour, brown rice and oats. You'll find these items unprocessed or in food products such as bread, veggie burgers and ready-to-eat cereals. The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans report that diets rich in whole grains help to lower your cardiovascular risk. Additional whole-grain menu choices include popcorn, bulgur wheat and barley.
Green Vegetables
Iron and fiber abound in dark green, leafy vegetables such as cooked spinach, turnip greens and Brussels sprouts, according to the USDA Nutrient Database. These vegetables have so few calories that you can eat plenty and displace other, fattier foods from your diet. The rich nutrition in these greens, as well as kale, broccoli and beet greens, includes a variety of additional minerals and vitamins.
Fruits
High-fiber fruits such as pears and strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries help to alleviate arterial buildup of cholesterol plaque. The USDA includes oranges, apricots and prunes among fruits with beneficial fiber content.
