It is never too early or late to start caring about your heart health. If you are looking for an easy way to improve your heart health I have simple foods that you can incorporate into your everyday meals!
Salmon/tuna
Salmon and tuna provide important omega-3’s for your heart. Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the inflammation in your body that can cause inflammation in your blood vessels which may lead to heart disease and stroke. If you are not a fish eater, I highly recommend trying Starkist Tuna Creations flavored tunas. That may sound unappealing if you already don’t enjoy eating fish, but the flavors such as siracha or honey bbq mask the fish flavor and you won’t think that you’re eating tuna.
Berries
Berries such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are good choices. These contain good heart healthy fiber and raspberries have high levels of polyphenols which help reduce the risk of heart disease. Adding berries into your everyday meals can be as simple as adding these berries to your cereal or yogurt for breakfast. Try this Greek yogurt parfait popsicle recipe for a refreshing summer snack!
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are high in heart-healthy potassium. They are also a good source of the antioxidant lycopene, which is a carotenoid that may help get rid of "bad" cholesterol, keep blood vessels open, and lower your risk of having a heart attack. Sun dried tomatoes provide these benefits as well. If it’s simply adding sliced tomatoes on your sandwich or tossing sun dried tomatoes in your salad, this fruit is versatile.
Carrots
Carrots are not just for improving your eyesight! Eating a diet rich in vitamin C lowers your risk of developing coronary heart disease and reduces your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Carrots are a great snack to dip in hummus or add to your salad. Carrots can also make a great side dish with this carrot fries recipe. If you’re feeling really creative, try this carrot cake oatmeal recipe for a breakfast that tastes like dessert.
Black Beans
Any Mexican food lovers? Black beans have soluble fiber that lowers cholesterol levels which then lowers your risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in these beans protect us from cardiovascular diseases. Instead of choosing the refried beans at Mexican restaurants swap them for black beans. Black beans can be used in a variety of ways other than a side dish. Instead of grilling burgers for your next cookout try these black bean burgers!
No one’s diet is perfect but adding these few foods will help boost your heart health. Heart healthy foods are not limited to this small selection, so find new foods that maybe you haven’t tried and explore your options for a heart healthy diet. Now, eating these foods will not make your heart indestructible. If you have not had your heart screened I highly recommend doing that just to be safe!