Avoid Trans Fats to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Avoid Trans Fats to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Let's say you decide it's time to give your car a tune-up. You drive it to the shop, and the mechanics give your car a check-up. A basic oil change is in order. And then there's the issue with the radiator. It's backed up with coolant sludge that can interfere with your car's performance.

It's an easy fix on a car. But it's not so easy if the insides of your arteries and heart look like a radiator that needs a flush. But that's what happens if you eat a lot of foods that contain trans fats. It causes your arteries to stiffen and plaque that can damage your heart to build-up on artery walls.

Take a closer look at your diet. Do you eat processed foods like French fries, donuts, pizza, cookies, crackers, biscuits, pie, or foods made with margarine? These foods are high in trans fats.
And if they're a regular part of your diet, it's going to take a toll on your heart and your health.

Trans fats raise bad cholesterol levels and lower good cholesterol levels. These bad fats also raise your risk for type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. And it's why the American Heart Association recommends avoiding foods that contain trans fats.

If you want to protect your heart and your health, cut back on foods that contain trans fats. Instead, eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, nuts, and seeds. If you're not sure what to shop for or how to make these changes in your diet, don't worry. Just take a look at our Low-Sodium and heart-healthy menu, and you'll find plenty of tasty and delicious meals to choose from for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.