A Diet for Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary heart disease is a condition in which plaque accumulates in the arteries that carry blood away from the heart. The blockage deprives the heart of oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Coronary heart disease affects men and women. However, men are more likely to develop it at younger ages. The disease is the No. 1 cause of death in men and women in developed countries; a diet plan is a key part of heart disease prevention.

Minimize Fats

Lowered fat consumption is the first step in coronary heart disease prevention. Fat should be no more than 25 to 35 percent of daily caloric intake. A high amount of fat in the diet is responsible for the rise in LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Lowering fat intake lowers LDL cholesterol and increases good HDL cholesterol. The type of fat consumption is also important. Fatty fish and flaxseed contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy and aid in the prevention of heart disease.

Fruits and Vegetables

Eating several meals with fruits and vegetables lowers plaque buildup in the arteries. Such foods contain phytochemicals. One kind of phytochemical is flavonoids. Flavonoids are found in red and purple grapes, which give wine its healthy properties. One to two glasses of wine a day can help your heart, but too much wine has the reverse effect.

High Fiber

Soluble fibers, such as oat bran, oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran and citrus help reduce cholesterol levels. This type of fiber also is useful in controlling blood glucose and insulin levels. Insoluble fiber is found in most grainy foods. Eating insoluble fiber is good for the digestive tract. However, abnormally high amounts of fiber interfere with the body's ability to absorb vitamins.

Vitamins

Vitamins in healthy doses are beneficial for the entire body. The best vitamins for coronary heart disease are folate and vitamin B. Vitamin E and C do not help in coronary heart disease, although many people take these supplements for their health.

Reduced Carbohydrates

Reducing simple carbohydrates, such as those found in white bread, rice or processed foods, is a fundamental way to lose weight and lower your chances of coronary heart disease. The benefit of lowering carbohydrates is a reduced chance of getting diabetes. Diabetes increases the chances of getting coronary heart disease.