Contrary to popular belief, heart disease is not a man-only affliction. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women are also at risk of illness and death due to the condition. But, many instances of heart disease may be prevented, and there are a few things women can do to reduce their risk. Ahlgrimm answers a few common questions about this below.
Q: Is it true that a heart-healthy diet is completely void of salt?
Marla Ahlgrimm: In the world we live in, it is almost impossible to avoid salt in some form. However, choose foods that have low sodium content and you may lessen your risk of hypertension and heart disease. You’ll also want to watch the amount of trans fat and sugar that you consume. A good rule of thumb is to avoid any foods that come from a box or that have been cured with salt. Anything with a long shelf life likely contains tons of added sodium. It’s best to stick with fresh foods and season with spices that don’t have extra salt.
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,