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heart healthy monthFebruary is Heart Healthy Month.

What are you doing for your heart today?

What you eat — and what you don’t — can make a big difference in preventing heart disease and improving your health if you already have heart disease.

Choose healthy foods every day

A plant-based or Mediterranean diet has been linked to lower rates of heart disease. Following these tips may help keep your heart and blood vessels in good shape and benefit your health overall.

  • Eat a variety of unprocessed, home-cooked foods.
  • Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, peas, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds every day.
  • Use olive and canola oils for cooking.
  • Avoid foods high in trans fats. Watch out for “partially hydrogenated oil” on the ingredient list.
  • Enjoy at least 2 fatty fish meals per week, such as wild salmon, trout, chunk light tuna, or halibut.
  • Replace red meat with fish or poultry. Red meat, if eaten at all, should be limited to 1 or 2 times per month.
  • Eat 3 servings a day of low-fat or nonfat dairy, such as milk, cheese, or yogurt. Or try non-dairy alternatives such as soy and almond milk.
  • Have fresh fruit for dessert.
  • Choose and prepare foods with less salt. Use lemon juice, herbs, wine, and spices to flavor food.