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Eating healthily
Eating a healthy diet is one of the ways to prevent cardiovascular disease. In this section we provide you with advice on what a healthy diet should consist of.
For a healthy heart, a low fat, high fibre diet that includes whole grains and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day) is recommended.
Your diet should include no more than one teaspoon of salt a day. Too much salt will increase your blood pressure. Limit the amount of salty foods you eat, such as ready-made meals and canned or tinned food.
Do not eat foods high in saturated fat because this will increase your cholesterol level. These foods include:
- meat pies;
- sausages and fatty cuts of meat;
- butter and ghee;
- lard;
- cream;
- hard cheese;
- cakes and biscuits;
- foods that contain coconut or palm oil.
Eating some foods high in unsaturated fat can help decrease your cholesterol level. These foods include:
- oily fish;
- avocados;
- nuts and seeds;
- sunflower oil;
- rapeseed;
- olive oil.
If you would like some support in eating more healthily, contact your GP practice.