Heart disease and diet



Healthy Meals Myths & Facts Quiz

Salads are always a healthy choice.

The correct answer is myth. Salads are often a healthy choice, but you need to limit high-fat toppings. Creamy dressing, bacon bits, and shredded cheese all add sodium, saturated fat, and calories. Choose salads made with lettuce and a variety of vegetables, and select low-fat or fat-free dressing. Or try making your own salad dressing.

On average, Americans eat about half a cup of sugar every day.

The correct answer is fact. This adds up to more than 350 calories per day, much higher than what experts recommend. The American Heart Associate recommends that women have no more than 100 calories from added sugar per day and men no more than 150. Cut added sugar from your diet by limiting sugary snacks and soda. To satisfy your sweet tooth, choose sweet fruits instead.

Snacking is not healthy.

The correct answer is myth. Snacks can give you energy in the middle of the day or decrease your hunger in between meals. Enjoy healthy snacks such as fruits, nuts, baby carrots, low-fat yogurt, or string cheese.

Any vegetable dish is good for you.

The correct answer is myth. Vegetables are healthy. But when they are served fried, breaded, au gratin, or in a creamy sauce, they may be high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories. Choose vegetables that are raw, baked, grilled, or sautéed with a small amount of vegetable oil or low-fat sauce.

Fish is a healthier option than meat.

The correct answer is fact. The healthiest choices are oily fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines, or albacore tuna, which are high in heart-healthy omega-3 fats. Eating fish a few times a week may help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.

All fats are bad for your heart.

The correct answer is myth. Some fats are actually good for heart health. These include the monounsaturated fats found in olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, nuts, and avocados. Choose these over the saturated fats in butter, lard, palm oil, and cocoa butter.

You should avoid overeating grains.

The correct answer is fact. Adults should have about 5 to 8 ounces (141 to 226 grams) per day. One half cup brown rice or 1 slice of whole wheat bread is equal to one ounce (28 grams). Grains contain fiber, iron, and vitamins. Whole grains are the healthiest options. Make sure to choose whole grains for at least half of your grain servings each day .

Soy products aren't good for you.

The correct answer is myth. Soy is rich in fiber, omega-3 fats, and protein. It also contains polyunsaturated fats, which are healthier than the fats in meat. The best sources are tofu, soy milk, and soybeans.

The Mediterranean diet is just a fad.

The correct answer is myth. The Mediterranean diet is rich in fiber, omega-3 fats, and antioxidants. You can eat a healthier diet by limiting red meats and whole-fat dairy products and eating more olive oil, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish.

All fast food is bad for you.

The correct answer is myth. While much fast food is unhealthy, it is possible to make healthier choices. If you need to eat on the go, your best bet is to choose places that offer soups, salads, and vegetables. Skip the fries and order smaller servings when possible.

Alternative Names



A healthy diet and lifestyle can reduce your risk for:

This article makes recommendations that can help prevent heart disease and other conditions that can affect the health of your heart. People who currently have a heart condition such as heart failure or other health problems such as diabetes, should talk with their health care provider about what type of diet is best. You may need to make certain changes to your diet that are not included in these recommendations.




Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Get more fiber by eating whole fruits instead of drinking juice.

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables


Choose whole-grain foods (such as whole-wheat bread, cereal, crackers, and pasta or brown rice) for at least half of your daily grain intake. Grain products provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and complex carbohydrates. Eating too many grains, especially refined grain foods (such as white bread, pasta, and baked goods) can cause weight gain.




Fish in diet

Fish in diet

You should:





Obesity and health

Obesity and health

You should:

  • Limit trans fats as much as possible by avoiding hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated fats. These are often found in packaged snacks and solid margarine.

Think about the following when choosing a margarine:










Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Women should have no more than 1 alcoholic drink per day. Men should not have more than 2 alcoholic drinks each day. One drink is defined as 12 ounces [355 milliliters (mL)] of beer, 5 ounces (148 mL) of wine, or a 1 1/2-ounce (44 mL) shot of liquor.


Healthy diet
Fish in diet
Fruits and vegetables
Obesity and health






US Food and Drug Administration website. The new and improved nutrition facts label - key changes. www.fda.gov/media/99331/download. Updated January, 2018. Accessed October 4, 2020.

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