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.
family-safe home cleaners Morton Grove ..Looking for an easy and natural way increase your vitality... Read More
Liquid vitamin mineralThe liquid vitamin mineral dietary supplement is a... Read More
It is often taken as a given fact that soy... Read More
Since the 1930's the western diet has dramatically changed. This... Read More
Nutrition has everything to do with health. This isn't news,... Read More
Many of us sprinkle oregano on our pizza and stews... Read More
Salt is vital for our health. Right now, you have... Read More
Bread is one of the oldest known recipes to man.... Read More
Cranberry juice was first made by American settlers in 1683.... Read More
Every where you look you see articles or news or... Read More
Today, more than ever, consumers over the age of 50... Read More
During a recent discussion with my father about low carb... Read More
This free list of fat burning foods will help you... Read More
Cholesterol has been around for thousands of years. It's a... Read More
Glowing skin comes free of charge to you. Our simple... Read More
I know you've heard this many times - "Drink more... Read More
The importance of protein in a healthy diet is well... Read More
I turned into my parents' driveway in Maryland and parked... Read More
Today's tip is on hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Hypoglycemia affects both... Read More
Summer brings a lot of fantastic things with it, but... Read More
I first learned of Milk Soy Protein Intolerance (MSPI) in... Read More
What ancient tribes and people of the Amazon have known... Read More
Summer is not too far away. It is almost time... Read More
Following these simple nutrition guidelines will allow you to lose... Read More
I'm 40-something years old, and for 40-something years breakfast has... Read More
home cleaning services Wilmette ..1. Look for high quality, crystalline, free-form, amino acids (AAs)... Read More
What is nutrition? We hear so many reports today on... Read More
Have you seen those "fat free" foods in supermarkets? Have... Read More
"To eat an apple before going to bed will make... Read More
Coconut oil is less known compare to olive oil, corn... Read More
For all I prefer to buy my fresh produce at... Read More
Some experts consider carbohydrate craving and addiction as something more... Read More
The debate regarding Fluoride continues to rage, is it good... Read More
It is not a myth. Eating breakfast is an important... Read More
What is the Atkins diet and how can it help... Read More
Water is the most abundant substance in the human body.... Read More
America's focus on nutritious eating began to receive national attention... Read More
The research in support of dietary omega-3 fatty acids (such... Read More
Following a diet program of any sort can sometimes be... Read More
With so many people concerned about natural and organic foods... Read More
Dieting is a pain. I think basically everyone would agree... Read More
Cherries?A Supercharged FruitThe little red fruit that has been enjoyed... Read More
If you drop a bomb, you kill not only your... Read More
Weight loss plans are almost always trying to get you... Read More
Eating orange mean absorbing vitamin C to our body, is... Read More
I'll preface this article by saying that it will help... Read More
Food nutrition factsFinding food nutrition facts and dietary nutrition used... Read More
This is usually the forgotten element of most mass programs.... Read More
First of all you have to have a bucket. You... Read More
If you're looking for a power-packed entr?e or soup to... Read More
Nutrition |