It's simple. Reading the labels of the foods you buy can help you choose foods that make up a heart-healthy diet. Eating foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol can help reduce your risk factors for some diseases. For example, too much saturated fat and cholesterol can raise blood cholesterol (a risk factor for heart disease). Too much sodium may be linked to high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke.
Heart-healthy eating and simpler shopping is easy, thanks to the nutrition label. Here's more good news:
" Most foods in the grocery store must have a nutrition label and an ingredient list.
" You can buy with confidence. Claims like "low cholesterol" and "fat free" can be used only if a food meets legal standards.
Remember, no one food can make you healthy. In addition to eating a variety of foods, stay active, don't smoke and watch your weight!
