Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Traditionally, a low fat diet has been the prescription for heart health which causes many people to shrink away. Not anymore! The good news is there are many things you can add to your diet that can greatly improve your risk factors of heart disease. Here are 6 power foods you can start adding to your diet to keep you heart healthy!
Nuts- Although nuts aren't exactly low in calories or fat, they contain high levels of unsaturated fats that are known to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown eating about one ounce of nuts every day will reduce the risk of heart disease in the long run by 30% according to Frank Hu, MD, PhD, associate professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health.
Soy- Soy has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Using soy on a weekly basis is a great step towards protecting your heart. If you are not a tofu fan, try soy milk or yogurt, garden burgers, edamme (soy beans), or soy sausage patties. There are all kinds of ways to include soy in your diet!
Hot Cocoa- Yes you read right! Cocoa contains high levels of flavonoids which are a class of phytochemicals known to help prevent heart disease. Researchers have found that hot cocoa has more disease-fighting antioxidants than tea or red wine and the heat may help propel them into the bloodstream. Hot cocoa is also much lower in saturated fats than other chocolate sources such as candy bars.
Beans and Lentils- including kidney beans, peas, black beans, etc. ---are high in both soluble fiber and folic acid to help lower cholesterol and decrease homocysteine levels (high homocysteine levels are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease).
Broccoli- A powerful antioxidant found in broccoli and broccoli sprouts may help protect the heart from high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. A new study shows the compound, called glucoraphanin, helped improve heart health, fight inflammation, and boost natural defense systems against oxidative stress.
Grape juice- The flavonoids in grape juice, like that in wine, have been shown to prevent the oxidation of so-called bad cholesterol (LDLs, or low-density lipoproteins) that leads to formation of plaque in artery walls. Grape juice can also lower the risk of developing the blood clots that lead to heart attacks.
Start adding these foods today and begin your journey to better heart health.
? Meri Raffetto, 2004
About the Author
Owner of Real Living Nutrition Services, Meri Raffetto is a Registered Dietitian and a recognized professional in the area of nutrition and wellness. She has developed two online weight management programs, The Mini Diet Makeover and The Ultimate Diet Makeover, which focus on a healthy, non-diet approach to weight loss. For more information or to sign up for our free newsletter, visit http://www.reallivingnutrition.com.
best cleaning company Highland Park ..It's 5:30 p.m. and you're heading home after a long,... Read More
Salt does Not Cause High Blood Pressure. Some things you... Read More
Here's a conundrum: While experts agree that high cholesterol and... Read More
Food nutrition factsFinding food nutrition facts and dietary nutrition used... Read More
According to the National Institute of Health, Magnesium is needed... Read More
Modern life can be stressful. There are so many concerns... Read More
In large part, you're in control of your health, not... Read More
Biological clockObviously you need biological clock to time and alarm... Read More
Quick Overview- I think the most important thing for people... Read More
DeathDeath. Why it happens? Why do we die? Why do... Read More
Most of us eat at restaurants for a variety of... Read More
Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry capsules are a nutritious, all-natural alternative... Read More
Your face turns flush and your skin starts to itch.... Read More
There are a lot of very good reasons to eat... Read More
Following a diet program of any sort can sometimes be... Read More
With today's time constraints, stressful jobs, and "thin is in"... Read More
The old clich? that you are what you eat is... Read More
Chances are you may have had a food product that... Read More
Coke, more commonly known as cocaine is a highly addictive... Read More
For all I prefer to buy my fresh produce at... Read More
Carbohydrates - found in grains, breads, pasta, and sugar, as... Read More
If you want to lose weight, there is one thing... Read More
The word 'homeostasis' is made up of two Greek words:... Read More
The importance of protein in diet has been clearly established... Read More
Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are essential to the development... Read More
high-end home cleaning Winnetka ..The story of creation begins with water. Water is an... Read More
The dangers of processed foods and diets Why is that... Read More
To research the health risks Sweet 'N Low and other... Read More
Cholesterol has been around for thousands of years. It's a... Read More
Your magnificent machine is, in fact, a symbiotic collection of... Read More
Protein must be a part of a healthy diet for... Read More
Nutrition usually only comes up when people are finally deciding... Read More
During a recent discussion with my father about low carb... Read More
Milk is highly underrated. Experts say, America finds itself in... Read More
Aging occurs when the body's cells die at faster rates... Read More
Our bodies are truly incredible machines. What makes cells healthy?... Read More
Nuts of all kinds (I am talking peanuts, cashews etc)... Read More
In large part, you're in control of your health, not... Read More
The topic of food additives is not quickly addressed in... Read More
Approximately 30 years ago, food manufacturers were competing against the... Read More
(ARA) - By now you probably think you've heard all... Read More
Bread is one of the oldest known recipes to man.... Read More
White-spotted or yellow splotched teeth may reveal more than needed... Read More
With all the news about Splenda of late and the... Read More
Toxic metals exist in our environment as pollutants in our... Read More
Understanding ocular nutrition and eye health can be one of... Read More
Many people experience unpleasant reactions to foods they have eaten... Read More
One of the biggest mistakes many new bodybuilders make is... Read More
If you want to build muscle, lose body fat or... Read More
I confess: I'm completely addicted to Pringles. My determination weakens... Read More
Nutrition |