July
What is a Superfood?
You may have heard the term “superfood,” and you may be curious about what makes a food so “super” and where you can find it. Superfoods are loaded with nutrients and health benefits; you may even pass right by them in your local grocery store. Here are a handful of superfoods with heart-healthy benefits:
Chia
Chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. They are an excellent superfood if you already have any form of heart disease or want to use omega-3s to help reduce your risk of cardiovascular problems. Flax seeds are another superfood with similar omega-3 benefits. You can easily incorporate both seeds into smoothies or sprinkle them on your favorite foods.
Tea
Green tea has protective benefits for your heart because it is rich with antioxidants. If you want to incorporate a superfood into your diet to help reduce your risk of heart disease, green tea is the one. Additionally, it can help reduce your risk of atherosclerosis and improve blood flow. Maybe you don’t like green tea, but that’s not a problem: black tea also has plenty of antioxidants. These should only be consumed in limited amounts. One may be made more prone to rhythm disorders if used in excess.
Seaweed
If you like sushi, you are ahead of the game. There are many varieties of seaweed that are high in omega-3s. You do not have to eat sushi to gain the nutritional benefits from seaweed. You can crumble seaweed paper over different foods or add it to soups. If you incorporate kale or spinach into soups, consider swapping them out with seaweed in your regular recipe.
Avocados
Superfoods are not always obscure or difficult to find; many of them are foods you may already enjoy. Avocados sometimes have a bad reputation because they are high in fat, but they are high in heart-healthy fats like monounsaturated fats. Avocados pack a nutrient punch!
Give Us A Call!
Are you uncertain about the superfoods you should incorporate in your diet? Give Brookhaven Heart a call at (631) 654-3278 and make an appointment, so we can set you on the right superfood path.
