Heart disease is the number ONE health problem in the United States. The American diet is typically high in fat and calories which leads to the development of heart disease and other health problems. Eating the right foods can improve the health of your heart. Your doctor most likely wants you to follow a diet that is low in fat, cholesterol and sodium.

By reducing the fat in your diet - especially saturated fat - you can lower your blood cholesterol and your risk for heart attack. Saturated fat is solid at room temperature and is found mainly in animal products such as whole milk, cheese, red meat, butter and in some oils such as palm and coconut oils. Saturated fat is the KEY culprit in raising your blood cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a waxy-like substance. Our bodies produce cholesterol naturally. Our bodies need cholesterol for a variety of functions including making certain hormones, absorbing fatty acids, and making vitamin D. Problems occur however, when we have too much cholesterol. This can lead to the development of cholesterol deposits in the blood vessels (atherosclerosis).

In addition to our bodies making cholesterol, we also get it from some foods that we eat. Unlike plant foods (which do not contain cholesterol), all animal products contain cholesterol. To keep your intake of cholesterol to a minimum, try to limit portion sizes of all animal foods such as beef, chicken, fish, egg yolks, and high fat dairy products. Try to build your diet around whole grains, vegetables and fruit with small amounts of animal foods. You cannot control the amount of cholesterol your body makes, but you CAN decrease the amount of cholesterol in your diet.

Another risk factor for heart disease is high blood pressure (hypertension). Eating less sodium can help lower some people's blood pressure. Sodium is something we need in our diets but many of us consume too much. Sodium is found naturally in most foods we eat. The majority of our sodium intake however, comes from the salt we add to our food during meal preparation and at the dinner table. Additionally, food companies add salt to their foods to enhance the flavor and extend the shelf life of their products. To lower the sodium in your diet, try to leave the salt shaker alone and reduce your intake of convenience and highly processed foods.

Diet Tips for A Healthy Heart:

· Eat a diet that is low in fat, especially animal fats.

· Limit your intake of foods that are high in sodium and go easy on the salt shaker.

· Maintain or improve your weight.

· Eat a variety of foods. Use the Food Guide Pyramid as your guide to a healthful eating plan.

· Eat foods that are rich in fiber such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits.

· Read food labels. Avoid foods that are high in fat and sodium and that contain hydrogenated oils.

· Include soy foods in your diet.

· Make changes in your diet gradually - don't try to make too many changes at once.