Medically reviewed by Grant Tinsley, Ph.D., CSCS,*D, CISSN — Written by Mary West on February 12, 2021
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/food-for-heart-failure#foods-to-eat
Eating foods for a healthy heart involves keeping to a nutrient-rich diet. Primary sources are plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and beans. Moderate amounts of dairy and fish are beneficial as well.
A diet that can help prevent or manage heart failure also excludes certain foods. Experts recommend limiting the intake of salty foods and those that are high in saturated fat, such as sausage and fatty cuts of red meat.
Keep reading to learn about foods for heart failure, as well as foods that can worsen the condition.
Foods to prevent or manage heart failure
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The American Heart Association (AHA)Trusted Source note that eating a varied, high quality diet can help prevent poor outcomes in people with heart failure.
A 2018 studyTrusted Source examined the effect of diet on individuals with the condition. It found that those with deficiencies in seven or more micronutrients had almost twice the risk of hospitalization and death compared with those with few deficiencies.
Micronutrients
Micronutrients consist of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C. Deficiencies of micronutrients tend to be due to inadequate intake of high quality foods, which are mainly plant-based foods.
Fiber
In addition to a high content of micronutrients, plant foods are rich in fiber. Fiber is also important for a heart-healthy diet. High fiber foods include:
- fruits, such as blackberries, raspberries, pears, and oranges
- vegetables, including chickpeas
- nuts, such as almonds, pecans, and pistachios
- whole grains, such as brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, and 100% whole grain bread
- legumes, such as beans and peas
Fish
Moderate amounts of fish can also be beneficial for heart health, as fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids slower plaque growth in arteries, among other things. The AHATrusted Sourcerecommend eating 2 servings of fish per week. Fatty varieties, such as salmon and trout, are especially beneficial.
Dairy
Experts also advise eating moderate quantities of dairy products. According to a 2018 articleTrusted Source, recent research indicates that full fat dairy foods have higher bioavailability of nutrients than low fat versions.
Bioavailability refers to the body’s ability to absorb and use nutrients. The study authors found that fermented dairy foods, such as yogurt and cheese, are beneficial for heart health.
The Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet is not one specific diet but a dietary pattern that emphasizes consumption of vegetables, fruits, and pulses, along with moderate intake of fish and dairy products.
A 2016 studyTrusted Source involving more than 37,000 males suggests the Mediterranean diet could have value for people with heart failure.
The authors found a strong link between closely following the Mediterranean diet and lower the risk of heart failure and death from the condition.
