Eating the right kind of diet helps in maintaining your health and prevents heart disease. High cholesterol, blood pressure and a diet high in fat increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Here is a list of foods that are good and bad for your heart, have a look at them:

1. Eat less fat. Some fats like saturated fats and trans fats are more likely to cause heart disease. These are usually found in dairy products (milk, cheese, and butter), animal meat etc. Shift to groundnut oil, mustard oil, canola oil, rice bran and olive oil which contain monounsaturated fatty acids that lower bad cholesterol and increase the levels of good cholesterol.

2. Eat more foods rich in fiber like fruits, vegetables. This reduces your chances of getting a heart disease. Choose bright colored fruits and veggies as these are rich in antioxidants. Other fibre rich foods include whole grains (brown rice, wheat, oats), beans and pulses.

3. Reduce the amount of meats you eat, especially red meats. Always select lean cuts of meat and skinless chicken instead of beef and pork.

4. Eat fewer calories and maintain an ideal weight. Being overweight may sometimes increase the risk of a heart disease. Be physically active and exercise to burn off excess calories.

5. Cut down your intake of salts. Instead, use ginger, garlic, turmeric and fenugreek liberally.

6. Avoid junk food like burgers and french fries. Also cut down your intake of sweets, desserts and chocolate.

7. Do not fry your food. Instead bake, broil or steam them. Use nonstick vegetable oil cooking sprays in place of oils.

8. Include omega3 fatty acids in your daily diet through fish, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, grains and legumes.

9. Avoid full-fat products and opt for low fat dairy products, such as skim milk, low-fat cheese and yogurt.

10. Consume low calorie beverages and ‘diet’ drinks, such as diet pepsi, unsweetened tea or diet soda pop. Limit your intake of alcohol, wine, colas and sodas.

Also read: Right Diet for Men’s Health and Best Diet for Sexual Health