ABSTRACT
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States and other developed countries. This disease group includes coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertensive disease, rheumatic heart disease, and stroke. Primary prevention for CVD aims to modify the risk factors or prevent the progression of these risk factors into newonset disease. The quality of the diet plays a major role in the promotion of health and prevention of chronic disease (1). Dietary behavior can modify the risks for CVD including dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity (2). The recommendations for preventing CHD also focus on eating patterns that limit total fat, alcohol, and salt intake; maintain healthy body weight; and increase fruit and vegetable intake (3).
