Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease and other heart conditions.

From the food you stock in the freezer to the silverware you put on the table, your kitchen is your partner in health. When you fill your kitchen with the right tools and foods, you reap the benefits.

Compared with refined grains, they have more fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants. Whole grains are also a healthy way to control weight because they are digested slowly, so you feel full longer with fewer calories.

Here a rundown on the dates you find on food labels and what those dates mean, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Try to keep salad greens, apples, oranges, onions, and other produce your family likes on hand.

Keeping a food diary is critical for weight-loss success because it helps you understand and face up to your eating habits.

At home or when dining out, here are suggestions on how to add the goodness of greens to your diet.

Salmonella bacteria are usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. Beef, poultry, milk, and eggs are common sources.

Use warm water to wet your hands, then apply soap. Rub your hands together for at least 10 seconds. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap.