Diet and Cardiovascular Disease

Following a healthy diet plan:

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The following is an outline, created by the US Department of Agriculture, to help us understand the components of an ideal, heart-healthy diet. It is constructed as a pyramid to demonstrate a foundation of grains - bread, cereal, rice, and pasta (which our bodies need the most of) - with fats, oils, and sweets at the peak of the pyramid, demonstrating our body's need for only limited quantities of these substances.

• Fats, oils, and sweets - found at the top of the pyramid, should be eaten sparingly.

• The ideal diet, according to the US Department of Agriculture / US Department of Health and Human Sciences, also consists of two-three daily servings of dairy products - milk, yogurt, and cheese, and protein - meat, poultry, fish, dried beans, eggs, and nuts.

• Three to five daily servings of vegetables, and two to four servings of fruit daily are recommended.

• Six to 11 servings of grains (i.e. bread, cereal, rice, and pasta) should be eaten each day.

As each individual has different nutritional requirements, it is best to consult your physician or registered dietitian for more specific diet recommendations.

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