Latest thinking on avoiding heart disease

If your heart could tell you everything it needs to stay healthy, it might shout, "Wine and dine me and don't forget the chocolate!"

More specifically, here's the latest thinking on diet and exercise and a healthy heart:

Monounsaturated fats are officially a heart's best friend, notes Connie Diekman, president of the American Dietetic Association and nutrition director at Washington University in St. Louis. Diekman recommends snacking on a handful of heart-friendly nuts such as almonds, pecans, peanuts and walnuts; be sure to watch the portions because of calories.

Vegetables and fruits have phytochemicals, flavonoids, fiber and antioxidants that help prevent inflammation in your arteries. The happiest news is dark chocolate and red wine are encouraged in moderation. (Repeat after us: moderation.)

Salt is salt, even when trendy chefs slip it into recipes in the form of flavored or sea salt. Diekman cautions that salt -- even artisanal heirloom tomato salt -- is still going to raise your blood pressure. Most people should eat no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day; the average American eats closer to 4,000 to 6,000 milligrams daily. ...

•	Latest thinking on avoiding heart disease QUALITIES OF LIFE Chicago Tribune, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008 Byline: Barbara Cooke, Special to the Tribune