Diet

and Heart Disease

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    There is no magic food to decrease the risk of developing heart disease. However, there is evidence that plant foods-especially whole grain cereals, legumes, nuts, fruits and vegetables, may decrease the risk of heart disease. The foods that best protect against heart disease include:

• Oily fish - such as mackerel, sardines, tuna and salmon. These contains omega -3 fatty acids. The type of fat that lowers cholesterol, improves blood vessel elasticity and thins the blood, making it less likely to clot and and block blood flow.
• Some vegetables oils - such as corn, soy and sunflower. These contains omega-6  fatty acids. Canola and olive oil are also good since it contains omega - 3 fatty acids. All these can help lower LDL cholesterol when used instead of saturated fats such as butter.
• Fruits and vegetables - antioxidants in fruit and vegetables offers protection against heart disease.. They are also important sources of folate, which lowers the blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which appears to be linked to an increase risk of heart disease.
• Fiber from whole grain cereal - offers greater protection against the risk of  heart attack than fiber from fruits and vegetables.
• Legumes and Soy - soy protein has been known to lower LDL cholesterol levels, especially if blood cholesterol levels are high
• Nut and seeds - nuts can protect against heat disease. They should be eaten in small quantities as they are high in kilojoules.
• Tea - some evidence suggest that the antioxidants in tea can help prevent the build up of fatty deposits in the arteries.
• Garlic - the compound in fresh garlic called allicin has been found in some studies to lower blood cholesterol

    It is generally recommended that eating the right food reduces your risk in in developing coronary artery disease.