The most number of deaths in the US is caused due to cardiovascular disease. Diet is one of the important factors that affect the health of your heart. Following a healthy diet will reduce your risk of all cardiovascular problems.

• Reduce food items containing sodium. By reducing the intake of sodium, your blood pressure will be lowered. Since most of the sodium comes from common salt, reduce the amount of salt content in the food.
• Eat a lot of vegetables, fruits and grains. They are low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals and fibers. And moreover, potassium content in the fruits and vegetables help balance the sodium levels in your body. Fibrous food helps in lowering cholesterol level. Lentils, beans, cereals and pasta are some other substances that are fibrous.
• Saturated fats and trans fats can cause heart disease. Reduce the intake of food items like meat, milk, butter, cheese, palm oil and coconut oil.
• Instead, add food items that are high in monosaturated fats like olive oil, canola oil and seafood.
• Safflower oil and corn oil that contains polyunsaturated fats are good for the health of your heart.
• Eat less of fried foods; instead eat baked, steamed, boiled or broiled food.
• Eat a variety of nutritious food.
• Include beans in your meal.
• Oil fishes like mackerel, sardines, tuna, salmon and herring are extremely good for your heart.
• Cut your consumption of bad fats, but increase your consumption of good fats that are beneficial. Omega 3 fatty acids are good fats that are found in oily fishes, olives, nuts and several seed oils, vegetables and grains.
• Garlic and onion help lower cholesterol level.
• Cut down on beverages and food with added sugar.

Before buying a food item, just check the label to know the amount of nutrients present in it. Choose food items that are low in calories but high in nutrients. Instead of avoiding food, the best strategy is to have food items that are friendly to your heart.