Heart disease runs in my family. How do I know which dairy foods can be part of a heart healthy food plan?
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Better food habits can help reduce one of the major risk factors for heart attack – high blood cholesterol. Making a few dietary changes diet could improve your heart health today and for the future. Of the dietary changes possible, limiting intake of saturated and trans fats is the most important step you can take to reduce blood cholesterol levels and lower the risk of coronary artery disease. Of the types of fat – saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and trans fat – saturated fat and trans fat increase the risk of coronary artery disease by raising blood cholesterol levels. High blood cholesterol can lead to deposits of plaques (atherosclerosis), which narrow arteries and increase risk of heart attack and stroke. Dairy products contain mostly saturated fat. Look for low-fat, fat-free or reduced-fat alternatives. Choose skim milk over whole milk, reduced fat cheese, and low-fat or
