Not only is February a time to celebrate that special someone in your life, it is also National Heart Health Month. Emphasizing smart and healthy nutritional options can make all the difference when it comes to preventing heart disease. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods including fruits, veggies, poultry, fish and fiber-rich whole grains should serve as your guide for heart happy eating. Make salmon the star of tonight’s meal! According to the American Heart Association eating a variety of fish at least twice a week, especially fish that contains omega-3 fatty acid is recommended. To help plan your next heart conscious meal, below we compiled a few tasty choices that pack a healthy punch and align with AHA guidelines. Show your heart some love and remember raising awareness is essential! The more you know, the more you can prevent! Share these with your family and loved ones this Valentine’s Day:
- Omega-3s, such as those found in fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and trout) and our Enteric-Coated Omega 3 boost heart health.
- A handful of healthy nuts such as almonds will satisfy your hunger and help your heart.
- Berries contain heart-healthy phytonutrients and soluble fiber. Try blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, or raspberries in cereal or yogurt.
- Flaxseeds are full of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and phytoestrogens to boost heart health. Consume them in ground or milled form, alone or as a topping to your favorite plain, Greek yogurt, to reap the greatest benefit.
- Oatmeal: the comfort-food nutrient powerhouse. Try our Maple Brown Sugar or Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal!
- Red, yellow, and orange veggies, such as carrots and bell peppers, are loaded with carotenoids, fiber, and vitamins to help your heart.
- Spinach isn’t just for Popeye! Use it in sandwiches and salads instead of lettuce.
- Fruits such as oranges, cantaloupes, and papaya are rich in beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium, and fiber.
- Tender asparagus is filled with mighty nutrients such as beta-carotene, folate, and fiber.
- Tomatoes – even sun-dried varieties in winter months – provide lycopene, vitamin C, and alpha- and beta-carotene.
- Dark chocolate composed of at least 70 percent cocoa is good for your heart health and helps decrease appetite! Our Chocolate Sensations contain 70 percent dark cocoa and proprietary blends to allow you to give you and your loved ones a heart-healthy boost that will also satisfy appetite and any sweet tooth!
- Fresh broccoli florets are a terrific snack that packs in nutrients, including vitamins C and E, potassium, folate, calcium and fiber.