Foods for Coronary Heart Disease

Lowering cholesterol consumption is a crucial part of changing dietary habits to include healthy foods for coronary heart disease. That means watching labels and avoiding products with trans fats and saturated fats, opting instead for polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

Considerations

The American Heart Association suggests that saturated fat should comprise less than 7% of an individual's daily caloric intake, with trans fats totaling less than 1%.

Grains

Unrefined whole grains, like whole-grain breads, bagels, pasta, and brown rice are a significant source of fiber and help reduce cholesterol levels. Begin to think of grains and vegetables as your main dish in lunch and dinner.

Nuts

Both nuts and garlic help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. "Eat moderate amounts of nuts that are rich in monounsaturated fat, like hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, cashews, walnuts, and macadamia nuts," recommends the American Academy of Family Physicians. Studies indicate these types of nuts lower cholesterol.

Animal Products

Cholesterol is primarily derived from animal products, so minimizing consumption of meat and dairy products is important. Lean meat, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy products are excellent foods for persons with coronary heart disease. Use 1% or fat-free milk instead of whole milk. Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish such as salmon, trout, and herring are beneficial to heart health.

Veggies

Fresh, frozen, baked, or steamed fruits and vegetables should become a mainstay of a cardiac-healthy diet. Soy products have advanced significantly and are an excellent source of protein minus fat and cholesterol.