Healthy Start Mondays – Heart Healthy Foods

If we do one thing with regard to health, the most important just might be keeping our ticker .. ticking. Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States and the word. You’re lifestyle and your diet are said to be the leading causes of heart disease. Habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol, eating fatty foods and extreme couch potato are all-star players in this game of Russian Roulette.

Foods That Are Good For The Heart

We all need to be aware of what we should be eating that will help prevent heart problems. Natural foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains are heart healthy and we should eat them as often as possible regardless of their taste. I mean cmon, are we 5 years old with this “I dont like oatmeal”.  We are all adults, if something is good for you just eat it, period.  You are not going to go into convulsions over taste. (Apple Cider Vinegar just might, its so horrible tasting, but I still force it down several times a week).

Here is a list of heart healthy foods you should have etched into memory. (Source = WebMD)

• Salmon – Omega-3 fatty acids.  Grilled Salmon is tasty and also prevents excessive blood clotting & thickening of the arteries.

• Flaxseed  – Omega-3 fatty acids; fiber, phytoestrogens.  Flaxseed is easy to find these days, you can take as a supplement or buy products containing flaxseed like oatmeal or granola.

• Oatmeal – Omega-3 fatty acids; magnesium; potassium; folate; niacin; calcium.  Oatmeal is cheap and easy to make (bachelor friendly). Top with some flax seed oil and berries – Boom! Healthy Start Breakfast.

• Black or Kidney Beans – B vitamins; niacin; folate; magnesium; omega-3 fatty acids; calcium; fiber.  You will see beans repeated over and over again in just about any article you read about health. Just eat them, don’t think .. just eat.

• Almonds – Omega-3 fatty acids; vitamin E; magnesium; fiber; mono- and polyunsaturated fats.  Almonds need to be a staple on your grocery list, keep them in cupboard. They also get you though those snack cravings that often cause you to stray from your diet.

• Red Wine – Catechins and resveratrol.  Hallelulah!  See its not all hard work. Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart healthy. The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of “good” cholesterol and protecting against artery damage. (source = mayoclinic.com)

A word from our Nutritionist:

“Totally on point with this article. Suck it up and eat these foods for optimal heart health. They are all yummy foods, luckily, and the red wine is a special bonus! But, here’s a catch, eating wild-caught salmon is way better for you than farm-raised salmon due to the higher concentration of omega-3’s. Eat fish, drink wine, be merry!”

Jennifer Cassetta is a dynamic clinical nutritionist & coach with a focus on holistic health and high heels. Her Stilletos and Self Defense seminars have been featured on national TV and radio – a Rugged Female for sure.  Check her out at Strong, Safe & Sexy, @JennCassetta or jennifercassetta.com.

Thanks For Reading

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