February is recognized as National Heart Month. There are many things you can do to take care of your heart. For instance, proper nutrition is a major component to maintaining a healthy heart. Saturated fats in the diet increase the level of cholesterol in the blood; this in turn increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
To promote a healthy heart, it is recommended that less than 10% of our calories per day come from saturated fats. Saturated fat is most commonly found in dairy and meat products. It is also found in baked goods, such as cookies and cakes, which typically have butter as an ingredient. Saturated fat is not only in animal products; plant products such as palm oil and coconut oil are high in saturated fat as well. Keep an eye on the list of ingredients to help keep your heart healthy.