Which dietary modification is recommended for heart health?

Which dietary modification is recommended for heart health?

• A. Increase saturated fat intake
• B. Eat fewer fruits
• C. Low sodium diet
• D. Drink sugar-sweetened beverages

Answer: (C)

Lowering sodium intake supports heart health by reducing blood pressure, a key factor in cardiovascular risk. When sodium is limited, the body holds less fluid, which lowers the pressure the heart must pump against and reduces strain on blood vessels. This helps prevent hypertension and related heart problems. The other choices don’t align with heart-healthy effects: increasing saturated fat can raise LDL cholesterol and worsen heart risk; eating fewer fruits deprives the body of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants that protect vessels; and sugar-sweetened beverages contribute excess calories and weight gain, impairing heart health. So, a low sodium diet is the most beneficial modification for the heart.

Lowering sodium intake supports heart health by reducing blood pressure, a key factor in cardiovascular risk. When sodium is limited, the body holds less fluid, which lowers the pressure the heart must pump against and reduces strain on blood vessels. This helps prevent hypertension and related heart problems. The other choices don’t align with heart-healthy effects: increasing saturated fat can raise LDL cholesterol and worsen heart risk; eating fewer fruits deprives the body of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants that protect vessels; and sugar-sweetened beverages contribute excess calories and weight gain, impairing heart health. So, a low sodium diet is the most beneficial modification for the heart.