In honor of American Heart Month, we’d like to introduce you to 10 foods that, when combined with healthy habits like regular exercise, reducing stress and maintaining a healthy weight, can help you treat your heart well.
For 50 years now, February has been recognized as American Heart Month. Each year, the American Heart Association and organizations nationwide help promote the importance of treating our hearts well to reduce the risk of heart disease, America’s number one killer, as part of American Heart Month.
In honor of American Heart Month, we’d like to introduce you to 10 foods that, when combined with healthy habits like regular exercise, reducing stress and maintaining a healthy weight, can help you treat your heart well:
1. Salmon – This and other kinds of fatty fish, like herring and sardines, are loaded with healthy omega 3 fatty acids, which have been shown to benefit your heart in a variety of ways.
2. Nuts – Almonds, Pecans, Walnuts and more have a wealth of unsaturated fats that can help lower your LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
3. Beans –Beans and Legumes are high in fiber and low in fat, making them a natural pick for heart health.
4. Oats – This whole grain is a pro at helping reduce cholesterol (not to mention maintaining a healthy weight), thanks to plenty of fiber.
5. Greens – Spinach and other leafy greens are a great way to get blood-pressure-controlling- potassium into your diet, along with a variety of other vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.
6. Raspberries– These sweet and healthy little fruits are a powerhouse of antioxidants and fiber to help fight inflammation and cholesterol. Not a fan of raspberries? Check out this long list of berries you may prefer. Take that, heart disease!
7. Broccoli – Broccoli is a healthy option loaded with fiber, potassium and other heart-boosting nutrients to help lower cholesterol and manage blood pressure.
8. Turmeric – Over recent years, turmeric has been found to be a force in fighting inflammation, while one of its main compounds, curcumin, has shown promise in helping keep plaque from building up in arteries.
9. Bulgur Wheat – You want fiber? This whole grain has it and can be a tasty way to help with unhealthy cholesterol and weight management.
10. Sweet Potatoes – Satisfy your sweet tooth while you add fiber and potassium to your diet with this root vegetable.