Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, killing someone every 33 seconds. While some characteristics, like family history or sex, can raise your risk for heart disease, many factors can be controlled through lifestyle changes. Healthy eating is one of the best forms of preventative medicine, especially for life-threatening illnesses such as heart disease.
The American Heart Association’s (AHA) 2021 scientific statement outlined key components of a heart-healthy dietary pattern:
