Egg whites, on the other hand, are an excellent source of protein and have no cholesterol or fat. That equals approximately 1 and a quarter teaspoons of salt a day, including not only the salt you add to food but salt that occurs naturally in food. This advice may not apply to everyone, though. For them, cutting back could lead to a significant drop in blood pressure. For the rest, a low-sodium diet won't do much to protect the heart.
Many doctors say that a healthy limit is two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
If you're not a regular drinker, consult your doctor before adding alcohol to your diet. The American Heart Association doesn't recommend it. While certain vitamins and minerals undoubtedly help protect the heart, there's no proof that supplements can ward off heart disease. You can get all the nutrients you need from a balanced diet. However, if there are days when you don't manage to eat enough fruits and vegetables, or if you have other reasons to be concerned about your diet, it's wise to take a daily multivitamin.