Looking for healthy heart meals, you will find that again you have same list of ‘good food’ list that helps you reduce weight or increase immunity. However, if lowering the cholesterol is you only motive then first step is balanced diet. Have everything from carbohydrate to protein and even fats but in moderate and required quantities. You may also find substitute for not-so-good food items and include them to balance out the taste and nutrient value.

To choose the right food you first need to know their nutrient value so that you can make a good choice in terms of nutrition and taste.

Some of the best foods for a healthy heart are:

• High-fiber cereals like oats or whole grain are high-fiber diet and thus help digestive system and heart remain healthy. They are also high on carbohydrate, which is main source of energy. Less fat content make them apt for healthy heart.
• Soy milk or skim milk – Skim milk is the best bet for having a healthy heart, as you get all the necessary nutrients like protein and minerals from milk, while avoiding fat. Fat, both saturated and unsaturated can be bad for the heart if taken in excess and they can worsen the situation in already clogged artery. Soy milk in a even better choice, especially for those who are on a vegan diet and want to avoid dairy products.
• Fruits and vegetables – These can be the best food for a healthy heart. Best is to eat most of them fresh and raw, if raw consumption is not possible, then either boil or bake them. Fruits come with high fat content and high water content and vegetables are rich in fiber, protein, iron and minerals, which is the requirement of the body. Baked or boiled vegetables can also be a substitute of carbohydrates, which is a great tool in controlling cholesterol. These can be eaten as main dish or also between the meals to beat that hunger pang, some of the best bet would be -- Tomatoes, apple and leafy vegetables.
• Olive oil – A rich source of fiber, Olive oil can prove vital in fighting the cholesterol, as it comes with good fat. However, excess of any form of fat is not advisable, but to meet the basic fat necessity of the body, olive oil is the best option, as it is proven enemy of LDL Cholesterol.
• Seeds and nuts – Seeds and nuts like beans, pulses, cashew nut, ground nut and many more are important source of protein, fiber and good fat that checks the cholesterol level.
• Fish, which are excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acid, also controls blood clot. Ocean fish is the right choice. 
• Brown rice – You should prefer to have brown rice than having refined white rice, which is devoid of any nutrient.

Apart from the above mentioned food a few more changes in lifestyle could get a better healthier heart for you. The right combination of healthy heart meals and exercises will keep you fit and fine.

photo credit: ifood.tv