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What kinds of foods are good for the heart?

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A variety of foods can be heart healthy, in particular some foods that help maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol.

Just some general guidelines

Whole grain More and more evidence suggests people who choose more whole grain as part of a healthy diet tend to have healthier body weights than those who don’t.*

Fruits and vegetables – Not only delicious and colorful, fruits and vegetables add vitamins, minerals and fiber to your diet with fewer calories.

Soluble fiber from oats – Some soluble fibers, like beta-glucan, can act like a kind of "sponge" to help soak up some of the cholesterol in the body so the body gets rid of it naturally. Whole grain oat cereals can be good sources of soluble fiber.

Foods low in saturated fat – Lean meats, poultry and fish that are baked, broiled or grilled, and low-fat dairy, can be low in saturated fat.

Some moderation in general – Herbs and spices instead of salt, finishing off a good meal with fresh or baked fruit or sorbet, and saving indulgence for special occasions are painless if not enjoyable ways to practice a little moderation.

How can we help

All varieties of Cheerios® cereal are heart healthy. They are low in saturated fat and are naturally cholesterol free. In addition, Cheerios cereals have at least 8 grams of whole grain per serving (at least 48 grams are recommended daily) and are low in calories. Original Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios contain soluble fiber from oats, which can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Foods that taste good and are also good for the heart: all part of the wisdom in using whole grain oats.

3 grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods, like Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Cheerios has 1 gram per serving; Honey Nut Cheerios has 0.75 gram per serving.

*All Cheerios cereal varieties have at least 14 grams of whole grain per serving. At least 48 grams recommended daily.

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