February is American Heart Health Month and now is a great time discuss some of the best foods to promote heart health. These 6 foods are not only heart healthy, but delicious too! Try incorporating them in your diet to help improve your heart health.
Salmon
Salmon is one of the richest sources of Omega 3 fats. Omega 3 fats can effectively reduce blood pressure and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is full of fiber, omega-3 fats, folate, and potassium making it heart healthy essential. The soluble fiber in oatmeal helps to clear LDL (or bad) cholesterol by binding to it and eliminating it from the body – ensuring clear arteries for the healthiest heart.
Nuts
Nuts are full of omega-3 fatty acids and loaded with mono- and polyunsaturated fat too. Plus, nuts are a good source of both protein and fat, ensuring satiety when hunger strikes.
Berries
All berries are chock full of anti-inflammatory properties, which will reduce your risk of both heart disease and cancer.
Soy
This lean, plant-based, complete protein makes it an ideal daily food choice for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Luckily, it comes in many different forms to ensure variety in the diet. Look for natural sources of soy, like edamame, tempeh or tofu.
Dark Chocolate
Believe it or not, chocolate can be heart healthy. The reasoning being that the cocoa bean is rich in a class of plant nutrients called flavonoids. Flavonoids act as an antioxidant, helping protect us from environmental toxins and repairing cell damage. The caveat being that chocolate needs to be dark, so look for at least 65 percent cocoa or higher.
Take some time to prepare and enjoy these heart-healthy foods this month and beyond, your heart will thank you for it.
Looking for more tips to promote heart health this month? Then check out the Seattle Sutton blog which is full of healthy eating and living advice. Or check out our meal options to simply the healthy eating process.
