[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/01\/heart-healthy-choices-paleo-diet\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/01\/heart-healthy-choices-paleo-diet\/","headline":"Heart-Healthy Choices on the Paleo Diet","name":"Heart-Healthy Choices on the Paleo Diet","description":"Learn how to make heart-healthy choices while on the Paleo Diet and find out which foods are beneficial to your heart and which could be harmful.","datePublished":"2015-01-11","dateModified":"2018-08-29","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","name":"Heart and Vascular Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/heart-and-vascular-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/paleo-diet.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/paleo-diet.png","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/01\/heart-healthy-choices-paleo-diet\/","about":["Heart and Vascular Health","Nutrition"],"wordCount":409,"keywords":["heart disease","Heart Health","paleo diet"],"articleBody":"You’ve heard that the Paleo Diet is the latest diet craze, right? This eating plan became popular in the past few years and is also called the “caveman diet” due to its focus on fresh foods like meat, fruits and vegetables, and nuts.The Paleo Diet includes foods that people ate before farming became a way of life, and before processed grains and dairy products made their way onto our plates. While eliminating processed foods in favor of more vegetables and lean cuts of meat, it’s wise to remember that every diet and meal plan should place a focus on moderation. Meat-based diets can increase your risk of heart disease. So, if you’re a meat eater, here are some things to keep in mind.Focus on Fruits and VegetablesThe Paleo Diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Remember to choose:Fresh fruits without added sugarFresh vegetables without added salt, butter, or cheeseLean Meats Are the BestFresh meats from animals that were grass-fed, not corn-fed, are a big part of paleo eating. Make sure you pick:Lean cuts of beef, pork, veal, and lambChicken or turkey without skinOnly meats that are fresh, not processed or curedGo FishFish and shellfish are part of the Paleo Diet, and the American Heart Association suggests eating fish at least twice a week. Focus on fish that have omega-3 fatty acids, likeSalmonTroutHerringWhat About Grains & Dairy?Two major food groups \u2013 whole grains and dairy \u2013 aren’t part of the Paleo Diet at all. While you can eat eggs, stick to no more than three egg yolks per week.The Paleo Diet and Your HeartSo far, there’s not much research on how the Paleo Diet affects heart health. There are many good ideas in this diet, like eating fresh fruits and vegetables and staying away from foods that are fried, processed, sugary, and salty. Eating a lot of meat and other foods that are high in cholesterol, like eggs, can increase your risk for heart disease.Before you make any changes to your diet, talk to your doctor to find out if they’re right for you.Are you considering going Paleo? If so, visit the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute online to learn more about the impact of certain diets on the heart or to schedule a screening for vascular disease before embarking upon this meat-heavy diet."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2015","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"01","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/\/01\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Heart-Healthy Choices on the Paleo Diet","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/01\/heart-healthy-choices-paleo-diet\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]