Our dietitians and expert panel have searched the supermarkets in Australia and New Zealand to find some of the best products for supporting heart health as part of a heart-healthy diet.
Many risk factors for heart disease are linked to lifestyle choices and dietary habits. Consistently making food choices that are low in fibre and high in sat fat, sodium and ultraprocessed ingredients, alongside a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can contribute to conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. The good news is that by changing our habits, we can significantly improve our heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Here are our dietitian’s tips for eating to support heart health:
- Eat more plant-based foods: Aim for a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Incorporate more plant-based meals into your week by trying new vegetarian recipes and having meat-free nights.
- Eat oily fish 2-3 times per week: This includes fish such as salmon or mackerel to increase your intake of heart-protective long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
- Choose lean meats: Choose lean cuts of meats and avoid processed deli meats. It is also recommended to limit your red meat consumption to 350g per week.
- Choose low-fat dairy: Opt for low-fat or fat-free milk and yoghurt to keep sat fat in check.
- Reduce your salt intake: Eating too much salt can raise blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Also keep an eye out on nutrition labels and avoid processed foods that are high in sodium.
AUSTRALIA
NEW ZEALAND
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