Foods that Battle Heart Disease

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.
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 |