How to EAT FOR A HEALTHY HEART

Low-fat, good fats... and what's the deal with eggs? We answer all your questions!

- Amber Bramble

There are any number of reasons to try to eat a healthy diet - fitness, healthy longevity, better mental health, energy levels, skin and hair health... But one of the most important is that it's good for your heart.

"Lifestyle choices, including the food and drink we put into our body, can have an impact on several heart-disease risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, excess weight (especially around the middle) and diabetes risk," says dietitian and nutrition scientist Dr Joanna McMillan.

Essentially, the guidance is that we should all eat a variety of wholefoods, while reducing our intake of ultra-processed foods. But, with so many mixed messages (especially when it comes to dietary fat), it's not surprising that many of us still have questions.

Here, Dr Joanna cuts through the myths!

IS A LOW-FAT DIET BEST FOR HEART HEALTH?

Dr Joanna says this is one of the biggest myths she encounters. "We now know that, while a low-fat diet can be an option for some people, for most of us, including good fats from wholefoods is beneficial for weight control and heart health," she explains.

WHAT ARE HEART-HEALTHY FATS?