Cardiac Diet Food

Cardiac diet food is nutrient-rich food that is high in fiber, antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids. According to the American Heart Association, this class of food is known as heart healthy food. Heart healthy food increases your cardiovascular functioning and can reduce your risk of other health ailments such as diabetes, hypertension and certain forms of cancer.

High Fiber Foods

Eat a variety of foods that are fiber rich. Soluble fiber, according to the Mayo Clinic, helps remove the harmful cholesterol (LDL) from your body's coronary arterial walls. Fiber also aids in weight management since it gives you a sense of fullness.

Eat whole grains. Whole grains such as whole wheat, wheat bran, wheat germ, brown rice, triticale, kamut, barley, quinoa, oats and oat bran. Oats and barley, according to the Mayo Clinic, are especially helpful for removing bad cholesterol from your body. To obtain optimum health benefits, it is recommended you eat 10 grams of soluble fiber daily.

Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. The most nutrients are found in fresh, steamed or frozen varieties. Raspberries, blueberries, pomegranates and broccoli are most notable for being nutrient-rich cardiac diet foods states the Mayo Clinic.

Eat low fat protein. Low fat protein, states the USDA, can be fiber rich. Considered a cardiac diet food, legumes and lentils are recommended protein sources. Legumes consist of a variety of bean varieties such as kidney, black, navy, garbanzo and split peas. Other low fat protein sources include poultry (without skin), seafoods, soy foods, lean cuts of meat and low fat dairy foods.

Other Cardiac Diet Food

Use healthy oils. According to the American Heart Association, eat polyunsaturated and monounsaturated oils. These heart healthy oils are found in plant-based oils such as canola, sunflower, peanut, cottonseed, vegetable and olive oil. The Mayo Clinic recommends extra virgin olive oil, a monounsaturated fat, since it is known for lowering LDL while being high in antioxidants.

Eat foods high in isoflavones. Isoflavones are found in soy foods such as tofu, tempeh, edame (soy beans), soy milk and other soy products. Isoflavones are known for protecting the cardiovascular system states the American Heart Association.

Get your Omega-3 fatty acids. According to the Mayo Clinic, Omega-3 fatty acids are nutrient powerhouses. Foods rich in them help eliminate harmful cholesterol from your body while also increasing your good (HDL) cholesterol levels. Foods high in Omega-3 include cold water fish such as halibut, mackerel, albacore tuna, sardines and salmon. The USDA recommends you eat fish at least twice weekly.