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Did you know that diet and exercise are large factors in the fight against heart disease and cardiac arrest? In fact, many doctors believe that the risk of a heart attack can be greatly reduced when you eat right and complete the right types of exercise. By understanding what types of foods you can and should enjoy, you can begin your journey to a healthier heart.
Enjoy Heart-Healthy Foods
The first step to eating your way to a healthier heart is to recognize what types of heart-healthy foods you should consume. Heart-healthy foods can include the following:
- Fresh fruits and raw vegetables
- Dark, leafy greens
- Low-fat foods
- Nuts and legumes
- Fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Common types of healthy fish include anchovies and salmon
- Consuming small amounts of good oil, such as olive oil
- Grains that are high in soluble fiber. Barley and oatmeal are two common heart-healthy grains
- Drinking plenty of water
It is important to note that the above list of foods will need to be tailored to your specific needs. For example, your weight, gender, age, preexisting medical conditions, and other demographics will impact what type of heart-healthy foods you should consume. Your cardiologist will be able to help you develop the right eating habits needed to improve your heart health.
Foods to Avoid
As you begin to add heart-healthy food to your diet, you will also want to reduce or avoid certain types of food. The most common foods to avoid include:
- Processed foods, including lunch meat
- Trans fats
- Excessive levels of salt
- Bad oils, including food that has been deep-fried
- Refined sugar
Keep in mind that many of the above ingredients will be found in pre-packaged foods, which is why it is always a good idea to look at the list of ingredients. Pay close attention to the levels of refined sugar and salt so that you can select foods that are properly aligned with your new heart-healthy way of eating.
Start Your Journey Toward a Healthier Heart with Exercise and Heart-Healthy Foods
In addition to avoiding certain foods and consuming healthier options, you should speak with your cardiologist about what types of exercises you should be completing on a daily and weekly basis. Remember that the key to eating your way to a healthier heart is to support your improved diet with the right level of exercise. From lifting weights and taking rigorous walks to riding your bike, there are countless activities that promote improved cardiovascular health. The good news is that the Brookhaven Heart team is here to help.
At Brookhaven Heart, we believe in supporting our clients on their journeys to healthier hearts. From performing angiograms and placing cardiac stents to helping you make the right lifestyle choices, we are dedicated to improving the condition of your heart. To learn more about how Brookhaven Heart can help you reduce your risk of cardiac arrest and other serious medical conditions, we invite you to contact a member of our team by calling 631-654-3278 or scheduling an appointment today. Visit us at one of our three offices, located in Patchogue, New Hyde Park, or Hicksville, New York.
