(Aging Untold) — Grocery shopping is a key part of maintaining a heart-healthy diet, and knowing which ingredients to avoid can make a difference, according to an Aging Untold expert.

Dietitians say a heart-healthy diet is also an anti-inflammatory diet. Amy O’Rourke, an Aging Untold expert, said shoppers should pay attention to where food is located in the store.

“Anything processed, like things that are in the middle of the grocery store, are usually bad for your body, your heart,” O’Rourke said. “And the movement of all the nutrients through your body, when it’s swollen up, it can’t get to where they need to get to very fast.”

Watch the sugar

O’Rourke said focusing on fiber and healthy fats — and limiting added sugar — is important. She said reading labels is a necessary step.

“The reality is you have to read every label to see if sugar is the first or second ingredient; it’s not going to be that good for you,” O’Rourke said.

Swaps to consider

For those looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, walnut or almond butters, figs and dates are options. In the chip aisle, black bean chips made with sunflower oil or corn tortilla chips made with avocado oil offer more fiber.

O’Rourke recommends looking for products with three grams of fiber or more per serving. Salsa can also be used in place of salad dressing to add flavor.

“Well, there are salad dressings that are really good to eat, but what about oil and vinegar?” O’Rourke said. “And, put a little sweetener in it. Do it yourself.”

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