Eating a healthy diet can be an effective, and enjoyable, way to prevent cardiovascular and other disease. Good eating means focusing both on the foods you shouldn't eat and on the foods you should eat.

Foods you should avoid or eliminate altogether include:

• High-salt (sodium) foods. Too much salt can lead to hypertension and atherosclerosis.

• High-fat foods,especially foods high in cholesterol. Too much of the wrong kinds of fats can cause atherosclerosis.

• Sugars and refined carbohydrates, such as white rice and white flour products (like bread, crackers, and pasta). Eating too many sugars and refined carbohydrates can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems.

More on this topic

Understanding Wellness (VIDEO)
What Is Wellness?
Quit Smoking
Smoking & Your Arteries
Eat Healthy
Foods to Avoid
Foods to Enjoy
Fiber Helps Lower Cholesterol
Good Fats: Omegas 3 & 6
The Daily Nutrition You Need
Portion Control
Daily Exercise
Aerobic Exercise
Speed Up Your Metabolism
Benefits of Exercise
Lose Weight
Measuring Fat

Related Health Centers:

The 9 Visual Rules of Wellness, Wellness and Prevention Part I, Wellness and Prevention Part II, Reverse Aging