Thousands of Americans die of coronary heart disease each year. In fact, it is the number one killer of men and women over the age of 65. What you eat can help change your risk, although other factors are also important, including your family history and tobacco use.

To reduce your risk for heart disease, there are several things you can do:
* Balance your caloric intake with activity, so you can keep a healthy weight.
* Eat more fruits and vegetables, at least three to five servings each day.
* Choose low-fat alternatives such as fish, white-meat poultry, and lean beef; fat-free or low-fat salad dressing; low-fat dairy products including skim milk, part-skim mozzarella cheese, low-fat sour cream and cream cheese; and low-fat desserts such as fruit, angel food cake, fat-free pudding, sherbet, and fat-free frozen yogurt.
* When you use oils, olive and canola are the best choices, but remember that all oils contain fat and should be used sparingly.
* Eat more fiber, including whole-grain breads, cereals, and pastas.
* Eat more fish (such as salmon and mackerel) , linseed oil, or soy as sources of healthy fat.
* Talk to your doctor about red wine - one glass a day may help lower cholesterol.
* Read your food labels. They will guide you as to what foods are higher in fiber and lower in fat.

For specific dietary recommendations that will help you make the positive changes you need, contact a registered dietitian or your healthcare provider for more information.

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