Heart Healthy Foods To Try this New Year
As we embark on a new year, make better heart health one of your top resolutions. The easiest way is to simply start integrating some of these foods into your daily diet. Read on to learn about these wonderfully heart healthy nutritious options.
Salmon
Salmon is a top selection for a heart healthy diet because it contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s have an anti clotting effect, allowing your blood to flow easily. Two servings a week of some kind of oily fish, like salmon, can significantly improve your health. Other options include tuna, trout, sardines, and mackerel.
Walnuts
Opt for walnuts as your go to snack instead of chips or sugary options. A handful of walnuts contains ‘good’ fats that help cut your ‘bad’ cholesterol and increase your ‘good’ cholesterol. Sprinkle some walnuts in your morning oatmeal, mix them into your favorite trail mix, or sprinkle them on top of a hearty salad.
Raspberries
This magenta colored treat is full of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants used to rid your body of damage inducing free radicals. These tasty berries also deliver excellent amounts of vitamin C. Other options include strawberries, blueberries, blackberries (and pretty much any berry).
Chickpeas
Chickpeas are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which can lower your ‘bad’ cholesterol. If you purchase the canned kind, make sure they are sodium free or rinse them off before consuming to get rid of any extra salt. Chickpeas are great for homemade hummus, a bean dip, salads, or a nutty flavored soup.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal contains a specific fiber called beta-glucan that can lower your LDL cholesterol. Beta-glucan is also found in seaweed and shiitake mushrooms.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains flavanols which can assist with diminishing cholesterol levels and help maintain blood pressure.
Arrange your consultation
For more information about how to improve your heart health, contact CVAM at (480) 641-5400. We look forward to helping you!