Foods for Heart Health

February 1st, 2012 · 5 Comments · Heart Health

February is full of pink and red valentines, chocolates for your sweet, and heart disease. We aren’t trying to rain on anyone’s parade but the fact of the matter is that more people pay attention to their heart health in February than any other month of the year. Because of publicity and marketing, February has become an important time for heart health and we’re pleased! Heart Disease is a killer among men and women and too often our hearts are ignored until a serious issue arises. To celebrate Heart Health Month, we’re going to offer several blog posts outlining different ways you can keep your heart healthy and happy; today’s post:

 

Foods for Heart Health

Black Beans—folate, antioxidants, magnesium, and fiber are packed into these small beans! Magnesium has been noted to lower blood pressure while fiber is beneficial to control both cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Take note however that canned black beans, though quick to include in a soup or salad, contain a high dose of sodium. Be sure to rinse the beans thoroughly before enjoying and maybe even consider purchasing a “low sodium” bean

Fresh herbs promote heart health!

Fresh herbs promote heart health!

Fresh Herbs—when used as a replacement for salt or saturated fatty oils, herbs provide a boost of flavor with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can help your system fight heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Try adding Rosemary, Sage, Oregano, and Thyme to your meals for their delicious and antioxidant benefits to your meal!

 

 

 

Salmon is a healthy choice to promote heart health!

Salmon is a healthy choice to promote heart health!

Salmon and Tuna—these fish are top choices for heart health for being rich in Omega-3s which lower the risks of heart rhythm disorders. These disorders are often the leading cause of sudden cardiac death and with two servings of salmon per week, you decrease the chances of this happening to you. Try baking salmon with herbs and veggies for a heart (and waist!) healthy dinner. Other varieties of fish to add to your diet include reel, mackerel, herring, anchovies, sardines, herring, and lake trout. Be sure to rinse the salty brine from any canned fish you purchase!

 

Walnuts and Almonds—a handful a day of these two delicious stars of the nut world provide you with better chances of reducing cholesterol and diabetes, and decreasing inflammation in the arteries of the heart. Add walnuts and almonds to salads, veggies, or enjoy as a snack to reap the benefits! Just a handful of these nuts will do!

 

Oatmeal—oats, in all forms, can help your heart by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL), keep blood sugar levels stable over time, and provide additional benefits like fiber for colon health. Try swapping oats for a 1/3 of the flour you use in your pancakes or baked goods to get these benefits without robbing the flavor and consider swapping bread crumbs for oats!

 

Blueberries—these small berries offer an extensive list of health benefits! Anthocyanins give blueberries their deep color and also support heart heath. Other contents in the tiny package include ellagic acid, beta-carotene, lutein, vitamin C, folate, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. You’ll remember that magnesium can help lower blood pressure while fiber is beneficial to control both cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

 

To learn more about heart health, take a look at a recent blog here and be sure to check out our Heart Health Section on our website!

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5 Comments so far ↓

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  • lower cholesterol

    I have been consuming these foods and i do believe that it helped me a lot in burning fats in my body. of course, i always do exercise and proper diet and take a lot of water. We should always consider the our food intake if we are looking after our cholesterol levels.

  • Bertha

    Nice post. Thank you and good luck.

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