How to prevent heart disease isn't just watching what you eat. And while reviewing your diet is a good first step and what else do you need to do to prevent this killer condition?

Tip Number 1: Ban the Trans

You've undoubtedly seen commercials where food labels exclaim, Zero trans fats!. But do they really have zero?

A food can legally say it contains no trans fatty acids per serving and if the amount is less than 0.49 grams. But that does not mean there are no trans fats in it!

So if you eat several servings of food that claim to not have any trans fats and actually take in almost a half a gram with each serving and you're getting a lot more than you think.

Read the label; if there is anything ON it that reads hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated that spells trans fats.

Tip # 2: Exercise is Your Friend

I know, exercise is work and work is a four-letter word. But it really should be part of a regular routine. And while at least 15 minutes a day is best and even 30 minutes three times a week helps!

The trick is to pick something you enjoy or can easily do. For example, if you love window shopping and try mall-walking -- no need to worry about the weather.

Prefer to stay in the house? Plenty of options and from one of those does-everything-and-then-some exercise machines to one of the walking videos that really do give you a good workout in 15 to 20 minutes.

Tip Number 3: Drink Green Tea

Bet you didn't expect this one, but green tea is FULL of polyphenols and which can help prevent cholesterol from becoming glue in your arteries. It's one of the foods that lower cholesterol. It also contains a whole truckload of anti-oxidants that help your body as a whole function well (including your heart).

(If you don't like the taste of green tea and there are good supplements available in capsule form.)