As we get older, the decisions we make at the grocery store can have a significant impact on our health. It’s important to buy food that is good for your heart. Eating a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, lean protein and fiber can reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Below are 5 tips on how to make heart healthy choices at the grocery store.
- Buy Several Fruits and Vegetables. Adults should eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.
- Avoid Buying Butter. Avoiding butter can help lower cholesterol. It is recommended to eat less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day.
- Buy High Fiber Foods and Nuts. Fiber is great because it keeps you full and helps lower your cholesterol. Fiber is found in beans, whole-grain cereals and nuts. Walnuts and almonds specifically have shown a positive impact on heart health.
- Don’t Buy High Fat Dairy and Meat. Look for yogurt, milk and cheese that have less than 2% fat. When it comes to meat, you want to buy cuts that end in “loin” like tenderloin and sirloin. These cuts generally have less fat.
- Buy Frozen or Canned Fruits and Vegetables. Canned fruits and vegetables have similar benefits and contain the same vitamins and minerals. It is important to choose unsalted and unsweetened options.
To learn more about how to avoid strokes and heart attacks, register for our free heart health classes. You do not have to be a patient or resident to attend.