New AHA Heart Health Guidelines: Prioritize Plants and Limit Saturated Fats

The American Heart Association (AHA) has released new scientific guidance and statements regarding food-based cardiovascular health optimization and the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk. These recommendations emphasize the adoption of heart-healthy dietary patterns to reduce the burden of chronic disease.

On January 7, 2026, the AHA issued a statement responding to the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The organization welcomed the new guidelines, specifically noting the science-based recommendations to increase the intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

The guidelines further advise limiting the consumption of several specific food groups and ingredients known to impact heart health, including added sugars, refined grains, highly processed foods, saturated fats, and sugary drinks.

Guidance on Saturated Fats and Protein Sources

A central component of the AHA’s guidance involves the limitation of saturated fats. The organization identifies animal fats, such as butter and beef tallow, as well as tropical oils including palm oil, cocoa butter, and coconut oil, as being relatively high in saturated fat.

The AHA urges a preference for plant-based proteins and the use of olive oil over saturated fat sources. Regarding dairy, the Heart Association encourages the consumption of fat-free and low-fat dairy products, noting their potential benefit to heart health, while the general guidelines highlight whole-fat dairy.

The association has expressed specific concerns that certain recommendations regarding red meat consumption and salt seasoning could inadvertently lead consumers to exceed recommended limits for saturated fats and sodium, both of which are primary drivers of cardiovascular disease.

“The American Heart Association welcomes the new dietary guidelines and commends the inclusion of several important science-based recommendations, notably the emphasis on increasing intake of vegetables, fruits and whole grains while limiting consumption of added sugars, refined grains, highly processed foods, saturated fats and sugary drinks.”

American Heart Association statement, January 7, 2026

Public Health Implications and Research

The AHA’s scientific statement aims to provide contextual guidance for the key features of heart-healthy dietary patterns based on available evidence. The organization remains committed to working with the administration to help consumers make healthier choices, particularly for the next generation.

While protein is recognized as an essential component of a healthy diet, the AHA has called for more scientific research to determine the optimal sources of protein and the appropriate amount of protein consumption for overall health.

The current guidance focuses on promoting dietary patterns that significantly reduce the intake of sodium and added sugars to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular events.

Key Dietary Recommendations

• Increase intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
• Limit added sugars, sugary drinks, and refined grains.
• Reduce consumption of highly processed foods and saturated fats.
• Prioritize plant-based proteins and low-fat or fat-free dairy.
• Limit sodium intake and the use of salt seasonings.

These recommendations are part of a broader effort to provide food-based cardiovascular health optimization and risk reduction guidance for the general public.