Professional Diet & Nutrition in Patchogue, New Hyde Park & Hicksville
How You Can Take Control of Your Heart Health
Your Brookhaven Heart cardiologist can help you improve your health in many ways. From placing cardiac stents to performing angiograms and more, we offer the latest in medical technology and procedures to keep your heart beating and blood flowing. Beyond tests and treatment, however, we’re happy to help you make lifestyle choices that can improve the condition of your heart and reduce your risk of serious medical conditions.
Heart-Healthy Foods
Your diet has a major influence on your physical well-being. Certain heart-healthy foods can help improve your cardiovascular condition. For a healthier heart, consume more of the following:
- Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and anchovies
- Vegetables, especially dark leafy greens
- Fresh fruits, including edible peels
- Grains high in soluble fiber, such as oatmeal and barley
- Good oils, such as olive oil
- Water
You can eat fruits and vegetables raw or cooked, depending on your preference.
Foods to Reduce or Avoid
Along with adding more heart-healthy foods to your diet, you can improve your eating habits even more by reducing consumption of the following:
- Salt
- Trans fats
- Processed foods, such as lunch meat or packaged dinners
- Bad oils, such as vegetable oil
- Deep-fried foods
- Refined sugar
Some foods might not look unhealthy, but have high amounts of refined sugar and salt. When you’re doing your grocery shopping, read nutrition labels to make sure you are selecting foods that fit a heart-healthy diet.
Exercise
Regular activity is the cornerstone of any heart-healthy lifestyle. Talk to your cardiologist to find out what levels and types of exercise make sense for your body and unique requirements.
What is the best diet for heart disease?
Your doctor will always recommend a healthy diet and lifestyle to fight against heart disease. What does this mean? Many believe that they’ll have to cut out their favorite foods. In reality, moderation is the key to a healthy lifestyle. First, start by understanding the number of calories you should ingest each day to maintain your weight. Nutrition information on your favorite foods is for a 2,000-calorie diet. You may require more or fewer, depending on age, gender, and physical activity. In any case, you’ll want to include:
A variety of fruits and vegetables, especially greens
- Whole grains
- Low-fat products, including dairy
- Skinless poultry or fish
- Nuts or legumes
- Vegetable oils
These foods are heart-healthy and nutritious. You want to limit trans-fat, sodium, sweets, and red meat (if you do eat red meat, find the leanest cuts possible). Do this, and you’ll be on your way to a healthier heart.
Email or Call Us
Contact the team at Brookhaven Heart for help creating a heart-healthy lifestyle:
Patchogue: 631-654-3278
New Hyde Park: (631) 654-3278
Email us directly via our online form.
We are here for you and your heart!