Healthy Diet Help Control Heart Disease
DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). A plan devised by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), DASH emphasizes eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or non-fat dairy products and lesser amounts of meat, fish, poultry, and sugars. It suggests limiting salt intake to 2,300 milligrams (mgs) a day, or even better, to 1,500 mgs. “The DASH diet is the only diet that has scientific data to prove that it lowers blood pressure,” says Caroline M. Apovian, MD, FACP, FACN, director of the Center for Nutrition and Weight Management at Boston Medical Center. “We don’t know why it works, but we assume it is the combination of a diet of low-fat dairy and lean protein and one that is rich in fruits and vegetables that is somehow important.” It is thought that the protein, fiber, and minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium) in these nutrient-rich foods play a role in lowering blood pressure. Reducing sodium intake is also beneficial.
Eating a special diet called the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan also can help protect your heart. Following the DASH diet means eating foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and salt. The diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products that can help protect your heart. Legumes, low-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish can also reduce risk of heart disease.
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