To improve your diet and heart health, why not try replacing fatty meats such as lamb, beef and pork with oily fish.

An excellent alternative, fish provides you with a valuable source of protein, essential for maintaining a balanced diet, without the high levels of saturated fat found in some meats. In addition, the omega-3 oil found in oily fish such as mackerel, salmon, fresh tuna, sardines, herring, kippers, pilchards, trout and anchovies are known to have a protective effect on the heart.

Research suggests that omega-3 oils can help to decrease the risk of arrhythmias (disturbances in the heart rhythm); decrease levels of fatty acids in the blood; and slightly lower blood pressure all of which contribute to a reduced heart disease risk. The Food Standard Agency recommends that we eat 2 portions of fish a week, one of which should be oily.

For more information and advice about healthy eating and healthy living, contact the National Heart Research Fund on 0113 297 6205.