The Cardiac Diet sets guidelines for the types of foods patients with heart problems should eat to prevent worsening of heart disease. In addition, the Cardiac Diet can be adapted to promote weight loss and prevent the future development of heart disease. In order for it to be effective, you must make a commitment to adhering to the diet.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are an important component of the Cardiac Diet. Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins and nutrients necessary to maintain overall health. In addition, fruits and vegetables are low in calories, which will help a patient with heart problems lose weight. The high fiber content will improve gluocose absorption in the digestive tract, resulting in better blood glucose control. Finally, the American Heart Association states that a diet full of fruits and vegetables will help to control blood pressure.
Whole Grains
The Cardiac Diet contains a fair amount of whole grains. Whole grains, including cereals and brown rice and pastas, contain large amounts of fiber, which help you feel full after a meal. Feeling full earlier can result in significant weight loss over time. Finally, whole grains are known to lower cholesterol levels when eaten regularly.
Fish
Fish are an important component of the Cardiac Diet. Fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which will raise your high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, cholesterol. HDL cholesterol decreases the amount of plaque that you accumulate in your blood vessels. Decreasing plaque levels will prevent clogged arteries and reduce your risk for cardiac disease. Furthermore, fish are high in protein, which can help increase your muscle mass when coupled with strength training. Therefore, you should set a goal to eat at least two servings of fish per week.
Low Salt
The Cardiac Diet guidelines call for a low overall sodium diet. Sodium, or salt, causes water to move into the blood vessels, which results in an increase in blood pressure. If your blood pressure increases, your heart will have to pump harder against the higher pressure to move blood throughout your body. This can cause your heart to overwork and fail. Therefore, you should eat less than 1,500 mg of salt per day, states the American Heart Association.
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