Good dental health benefits your heart . . . but what about the right foods, especially for someone who has known heart disease (angioplasty, stents, bypasses, etc.)?

There is a research-based nutrition plan, ideal for men with known heart disease. In fact, it’s been shown to reverse plaque and vascular diseases.

The diet? A vegetarian approach (with less than 10% fat) is the only one shown to reverse heart disease—and research further says it improves vascular reactivity, lowers blood pressure, balances blood sugar levels, improves cholesterol scores and helps produce trimmer bodies.

Getting enough quality protein is key with this diet, but eating a variety of plant foods with complementary amino acids can ensure that.

• For instance, a blend of grains and legumes (i.e. rice and beans) contain all the essential amino acids needed.

• Another great source is tofu. It gives you a one-two punch, delivering all the essential amino acids needed plus phytochemicals that protect you against heart disease and cancer.

The Heart Health Diet is designed with 5 to 6 meals daily in 3- to 4-hour intervals. Meals are steamed, grilled or stir-fried with small amounts of oil.

Learn more about the Heart Health Diet—with a week of meal plans—in my New York Times best-selling book, The Life Plan: How Any Man Can Achieve Lasting Health, Great Sex, and a Stronger, Leaner Body.