Coronary heart disease is the narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. It is caused by the buildup of fatty deposits and plaque along the blood vessel walls. If left untreated, it can lead to a heart attack or heart failure. Following a heart-healthy diet can prevent further fatty deposit buildup and improve your health. A coronary heart disease menu plan includes a variety of healthy foods from each food group.
Fruits and Vegetables
Include five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day on your coronary heart disease menu plan. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin A and vitamin C are important antioxidants that limit the effects of free radical damage and may offer protection against heart disease. Healthy fruits and vegetable choices include citrus fruits, cantaloupe, bananas, blueberries, pears, apples, spinach, broccoli, kale, carrots and sweet potatoes.
Grains
Have at least six servings of grains on your coronary heart disease menu. Make at least half your grain choices whole grain to increase your fiber intake. Foods high in fiber, specifically soluble fiber, help to lower the blood cholesterol responsible for the fatty buildup. Heart-healthy grain choices include whole wheat bread, oatmeal, whole-grain ready-to-eat cereal, whole grain crackers, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, barley, millet and popcorn.
Meat and Beans
Limit your intake of meat, including beef, pork, poultry and fish, to no more than 6 oz. a day when following a coronary heart disease menu plan. In addition, choose lean cuts of meats such as skinless white meat poultry, fish, beef eye of round, pork tenderloin, lamb chops and veal to limit your intake of saturated fat. A diet high in saturated fat increases your blood cholesterol levels. You should also include two servings of oil fish, such as salmon or tuna, twice a week for its omega-3 fatty acids. Beans make a healthy alternative to meat, and in addition to acting as a source of protein, also provides you with fiber and folate.
Milk
Consume two to three servings of milk and milk products a day on a coronary heart disease menu plan. Milk provides your body with calcium and vitamin D for bone health. Choose low-fat and nonfat milk and milk products to limit your intake of saturated fat. Healthy choices include 1 percent fat milk, nonfat milk, low-fat yogurt, nonfat yogurt and low-fat cheese.
Fats and Oils
Limit your intake of fats and oils to 5 to 8 tsp. a day. Choose more heart-healthy oils, such as olive oil, canola oil and soy oil. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in these oils can help lower your blood cholesterol levels, according to the American Heart Association. Nuts and seeds also contain heart-healthy fats and can be a part of your coronary heart disease menu to help lower your blood cholesterol levels. Healthy choices include walnuts, almonds and peanuts.
