• Cardiovascular

    Heart Health Challenge: Feeding Your Heart

    By

    Cynthia Weiss

Mediterranean salad with black olives, cheese, bright red tomatoes with olive oil dripping from a spoon

While research shows consuming food high in sugar, salt and saturated fat can increase the risk for heart disease, it’s often difficult to change your eating habits. Dr. Amy Pollak, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus, encourages embracing a Mediterranean diet, which offers many heart-healthy benefits.

Dr. Amy Pollak's Heart Healthy Diet Challenge

Dr. Pollak's top three heart-healthy tips are as follows:

  • Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables. Besides being low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, fruits and vegetables are full of important vitamins and minerals.
  • Use olive oil in cooking or salads instead of mayonnaise or other rich condiments.
  • Eat at least one serving of fish per week. There are many recipes on Mayo Clinic’s website and the American Heart Association's website.

Dr. Pollak also recommends reducing sodium intake, which can be a leading cause in high blood pressure, which can significantly impact risk for a heart attack or stroke.

Journalists: Broadcast quality video with Dr. Pollak is available in the downloads.

 

Related Articles

Cardiovascular
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Cholesterol — know your numbers
Cardiovascular
Hourglass-shaped stent could ease severe chest pain from microvascular disease
Cardiovascular
Mayo Clinic Minute: Tips for better sleep