Although it was once believed that monounsaturated fats had no effect on blood cholesterol levels, recent research studies suggest that a diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids is effective in reducing LDL levels while keeping HDL levels the same. Nevertheless, reducing overall fat intake is more important. Changing my diet to protect my heart Foods high in saturated fat to avoid include egg yolk, prawns, beef liver, beef, pork or lamb, veal, butter, whole milk, full fat and cream cheeses. Select lean cuts of meat and trim off any fat before cooking. Grilling food rather than frying will help to reduce the amount of fat present.
Foods containing lower levels of saturated fat include fish, poultry, dried beans and peas.
Vegetables and fruits are beneficial. Poly-unsaturated margarine skimmed milk and low fat cottage cheeses, are good alternatives to high fat dairy products. Instead of sour cream use low-fat yogurt. Platelets clumping together to form a clot in a narrow blood vessel may be one of the first things that happens when you develop a heart attack or stroke. Try to eat two portions of these each week.