Consider dietary change

To the Editor:

February is American Heart Month and as a dietitian, I think it's the perfect time to show our hearts some love.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States -- but it doesn't have to be that way.

Simple dietary and lifestyle choices can play a major role in fighting heart disease.

Adding more fruits and vegetables to the diet may provide extra protection against heart disease, according to a new study in the European Heart Journal.

Researchers found that people who eat eight servings of fruits and vegetables each day have a 22-percent lower chance of dying from heart disease, compared with those who eat only three servings.

Previous research has found that a low-fat vegetarian diet can help prevent -- and even reverse -- heart disease.

Vegetarian diets also help prevent obesity, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

This Valentine's Day, have a heart-to-heart with your loved ones about protecting your family's health with a nutritious plant-based diet.

Sincerely,

Susan Levin, M.S., R.D.,

Director of Nutrition Education,

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine,

Washington, D.C.