Swasth365
Indian Diet Plan
Diet Plan for Heart Patients – South Region
A heart-healthy diet supports cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol, managing blood pressure, controlling weight, and reducing heart disease risk. Choose whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats while enjoying balanced, flavorful meals every day.
Early Morning (7:00 AM)
- 1 teaspoon-soaked fenugreek seeds / 1 crushed garlic clove
- 1 glass lukewarm water
Breakfast (8:00 AM)
- 2 small vegetable oats dosa /2 ragi idlis
- 2 egg whites / 1 cup sambhar
- 1 cup coffee/tea made (skim milk, less sugar)
Mid Morning Snack (11:00 AM)
- 1 medium size fruit: Apple / Guava/ Oranges
Points to remember:
Foods to Eat
Include: Almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds; oats (preferably steel-cut), barley, whole grains; garlic, green tea; fatty fish – tuna, sardine, rawas, rohu (twice a week); legumes, seasonal vegetables, fresh fruits; skim (low-fat) milk products
Foods to Avoid
Avoid: Red meat, organ meat, shellfish; maida-based foods (white bread, noodles, biscuits, pastries); coconut-based gravies (use tomato instead); high-salt snacks (papad, pickle, chips, salted nuts); sugary drinks (colas, packaged juices, energy drinks); reheated oil; deep-fried foods; heavy oily foods, processed cheese, palm oil, butter, margarine; excess sugar in drinks and desserts; alcohol (raises BP and triglycerides)
Activity: Avoid sitting for long hours; exercise 30–45 minutes, 5 days/week
Limit: Oil to ½ litre per person/month (~3 tsp/day); use a mix of mustard oil, groundnut oil, olive oil (MUFA-rich) with sunflower or rice bran oil (PUFA-rich);
Salt to < 1 tsp/day
Common food terms: South India
⦁ Keerai thoran – Stir-fried spinach with minimal oil, spiced with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and coconut (optional).
⦁ Multigrain chapatti – Flatbread made from a mix of whole grain flours (wheat, millet, barley, etc.).
