There are several lifestyle changes a woman can make to ensure her
heart is as healthy as possible. One of the most important of those
changes would be the decision to start eating a diet rich in foods
beneficial to good heart health.
According to the American Heart Association, at least two servings of fish per week are recommended. Fish is a good source of protein, and it contains the omega-3 fatty acid that is known to help prevent strokes and heart disease. A diet including lots of vegetables and a good balance of those with darker color and crunch (like carrots) is wise, and the fresher your produce, the better. Limit your intake of starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn, peas, and lima beans. It is best to avoid saturated fats, which includes most snack foods, fried foods, desserts, etc. The fats that are recommended for use in frying or use in salad dressings are canola, olive and peanut oils. Another important part of a woman’s heart healthy diet includes a good balance of lean animal protein and a mix of fish and vegetable proteins also. Keeping foods that are high in cholesterol to a minimum and also making the choice to eat foods with complex carbohydrates, (whole-grain pastas and breads), instead of simple carbohydrates (white breads and high sugar content), will be a great benefit. If a woman is eating the proper diet to keep her heart in the healthiest of conditions, other lifestyle changes like frequent exercise should fall into place.
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