Heart Healthy Diet

Simple Changes for Better Living

A Heart Healthy Diet is the perfect solution for millions of people concerned or suffering with coronary heart disease. Backed by an overwhelming amount of scientific data, an organic, plant-based diet (low in saturated fat) is a safe, highly-effective way to lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and prevent, even reverse heart disease.

Heart Disease is the number one killer in the United States. More than 900,000 Americans die of heart disease every year, according to the American Heart Association. Over 70 million Americans suffer with some form of heart disease, such as, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, angina, (chest pain) and congenital heart defects.

On Average, one person dies every 34 seconds because of cardiovascular disease! Survivors of a heart attack tend to have other episodes later in life.

Understanding Your Cholesterol

• Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) or "Bad" Cholesterol
• High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) or "Good" Cholesterol

Too High an overall cholesterol level can build up on the inner wall of arteries, called plaque. Over time, plaque can cause narrowing of the arteries. This condition is called atherosclerosis or “hardening of the arteries.” When plaque ruptures, it can cause a blood clot that creates chest pain or heart attacks.

The Good News is that a heart healthy diet eliminates the concern about cholesterol because plant-based foods contain NO cholesterol!

Did You Know that three fourths of the cholesterol in your blood is made by your body? In fact, it’s the excessive amount of cholesterol and saturated fat, consumed in the diet that causes coronary heart disease.

An Interesting Fact, the Framingham Heart Study has been studying three generations of people for over 50 years.

In conclusion, Dr. William Castelli, medical director of the Framingham Heart Study, makes it perfectly clear:

Other Studies, such as, the Lipid Research Clinic’s Trial and the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial provide evidence that a lower cholesterol level is a desirable goal.

Dr. Dean Ornish, M.D. has shown that people with severe heart disease can REVERSE their condition by following a low-fat vegetarian diet, quit smoking, reduce stress and participate in the Benefits of Physical Fitness.

Exercise is Good for the Heart Get an Online Personal Trainer Today!

A Heart Healthy Diet
Lower Your Cholesterol

All Animal Food, such as, red meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products contain cholesterol.

A Heart Healthy Diet to REVERSE Coronary Heart Disease must:

• Keep total calories from fat to less than 10 percent per day
• Avoid foods high in saturated fat, like red meat and cheese
• Include foods high in fiber, such as brown rice
• Allow for egg whites - only if desired
• Avoid caffeine, other stimulants and MSG
• Use very small amounts of salt and sugar
• Provide NO restriction on calories

This diet consists of mainly Complex Carbohydrates, but does supply adequate amounts of fat and protein. Be sure to check out our Vegetarian Food List for a wide variety of foods to eat. These foods are delicious, satisfying and loaded with valuable nutrients.

Keep in mind, sugar is not strongly linked to coronary heart disease. Saturated fat and cholesterol are the real dangers to the cardiovascular system.

The American Dietetic Association says:

“A considerable body of scientific data suggests positive relationships between vegetarian lifestyles and risk reduction for several chronic degenerative diseases and conditions, such as, obesity, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, colon cancer and others.”

The American Dietetic Association has declared “that vegetarian diets are healthful and nutritionally adequate when appropriately planned.”

A Final Word Talk to your doctor BEFORE making any changes to your lifestyle, especially if you are concerned about heart disease.

Return from Heart Healthy Diet to Health and Nutrition
Return from Heart Healthy Diet to Home Page