Dr. Dean Ornish suggests eating certain foods to reverse or prevent heart disease. A diet full of fresh vegetables and fruits is optimal. Choose organic foods whenever possible. Here are some of his suggestions for foods that can actually improve your health:

• Bananas: high in potassium, they can stabilize the rhythm of your heart.
• Blueberries and strawberries: high in fiber and rich in antioxidants, they can prevent scarring in the arteries.
• Tomatoes: it's easy to incorporate these antioxidant-laden vegetables into your diet through sauces, salsa and many recipes.
• Garlic: this little bulb adds loads of flavor, all while helping your heart.

Healthy Substitutions
Making changes in your diet doesn't have to mean giving up your favorite tastes. Dr. Ornish suggests these alternatives to traditional foods.  

Instead of...		Try...
Mayonnaise		Fat-free mayonnaise
Cow milk		Soy milk
Cheese from animals		Veggie cheese
Hamburgers		Veggie burgers
Butter		Margarine with plant sterols
Eggs		Egg whites
Flavored yogurt		Plain yogurt with fruit