Heart Healthy Dietary Guidelines

The American Heart Association recommends that everyone consume a diet reduced in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.

• Reduce the total fat intake to less than 30% of calories (with less than 10% of calories from saturated fat, no more than 10% from polyunsaturated fat, and 10% to 15% from monounsaturated fat).
• Challenge yourself to reduce dietary cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams per day
• Watch your weight.  If you weigh too much, your body stores more fat and cholesterol.  This can raise your blood cholesterol level.
• Increase intake of complex carbohydrate foods such as whole grains, beans and root vegetables.
• Increase intake of soluble fiber, such as that found in fruits, oat products, and dried beans.  These may lower blood cholesterol.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.  Drinking too much alcohol may raise the fat levels in your blood.  Talk to your doctor before drinking any alcoholic beverages.

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