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November
September Picks: The Most Heart Healthy Foods
The best heart healthy foods tend to be those that are also good for the rest of your body. These are foods that are packed with nutrients that nourish and repair cells, not just in the heart but in other major organs as well. Most foods that are good for the heart and circulatory system should be eaten in their “natural” form, with as little processing as possible. Fruit and vegetables should look like they do when they come out of the ground or off a plant, and meats should be in whole cuts without additives.
Seven Foods for Better Heart Health
During September, and always, we recommend working the following foods into your diet:
- Salmon: Lightly season and grill a salmon steak. Chop up leftovers and chill them to use later in salad or pasta.
- Oatmeal: Top oatmeal with fresh berries or a swirl of maple syrup. This food is packed full of a wide variety of nutrients that promote cardiovascular health.
- Beans: Kidney or black beans provide the best nutritional value. Use them in soup, salad, casserole, or any of a number of other dishes.
- Red Wine: Enjoy in moderation. Men can take two glasses a day and women one to maintain a healthy heart.
- Tofu: Tofu is highly versatile. Season it virtually any way you please. Slice it and grill it in steaks, or cut it up into cubes to add to soup or rice.
- Berries: Use blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, raspberries, or strawberries for baking, or dry them for a sweet and simple snack.
- Asparagus: The key to good asparagus is not to overcook. The vegetable should be a little crunchy when you eat it to preserve essential nutrients and make it taste better.
To learn more about planning a diet that incorporates heart healthy foods, contact Brookhaven Heart at (631) 654 3278.
