Foods that Aid in a Heart Healthy Diet

High cholesterol is an ever increasing problem in America. High cholesterol which is bought on by the frequent consumption of foods high in fats can prove to have a very dangerous affect on health, the body normally carries an efficient amount of cholesterol and when it is consumed in excess it is dumped into the arteries which narrows, and clogs the arteries, and increases a person's risk of cardiovascular disease, which can lead to death.

High cholesterol can be defeated by following one simple solution, to eat healthy. Below I have included some foods that are heart healthy and will reduce your cholesterol level.

Stick with the veggies!

Vegetables are great, they can either be the fresh veggies, or the prepackaged frozen veggies, and you can serve them up so that they will appear enticing, sauté them and place them in plain, boiled brown rice, with a dash of Ms. Dash seasoning, or boil them in vegetable or beef broth and serve them with plain boiled brown rice. Yummy!

Try whole grain pasta, with a light sauce, and a side of veggies.

Stick with whole grains!

Whole grain crackers- if you love to eat crackers these are the best choice because they are low in fat, try topping off these crackers with a low fat cheese and some fresh veggies.

Whole grain bread- there are many varieties of whole grain bread, Pepperidge farm and Baker's Inn make some of the most delicious whole grain breads.

Oatmeal- This will make a tasty breakfast or snack, it is extremely heart healthy, you can prepare the Quaker rolled oats with fresh fruits such as blueberries, apples, or peaches, cinnamon... Or you can opt for the instant oatmeal also made by Quaker, these instant packets are extremely time saving and tasty, and come in many different flavors. Quaker oats also makes breakfast bars for when you are on the go. Try the Quaker oats smart challenge and eat Quaker rolled Oats for 30 days to help lower your cholesterol.

Whole grain/ heart healthy cereal- try cereal such as shredded wheats, cheerios, raisin bran, cornflakes, honey bunches of oats, Total, pretty much all of the General Mills cereal brands are whole grain.

Stick with fruits!