If you eat healthy, you'll automatically be heart healthy eating. By eating with the heart in mind, you'll not only be more healthy, but you'll be protecting the organ that supplies life to your body, and nothing is more important than that.
The key ingredients to a heart healthy diet are eating protein sources which contain low saturated fats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats like omega-3 essential fatty acids. Foods high in saturated and trans fats are bad for the heart and increase the risk of coronary artery disease-definitely to be avoided.
Some of the best sources of protein, dairy products, poultry, and meat, also may be high in saturated fats. Try eating fish as a great alternative to proteins high in saturated fat and get the extra benefit of omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce risk of sudden cardiac death. Legumes are also a solid source of protein lower in saturated fats. Peas, lentils, beans, and especially soybeans, are ideal for your heart. If you normally cook with cheese and eggs, try tofu as a heart friendly substitute.
Whole grains are high in fiber, can reduce the risk of heart disease, and have a hearty supply of vitamins and minerals. Replacing white flour with wholewheat or white rice with brown rice is an easy way to increase your whole grain intake and protect your heart.
A number of new studies show that eating nuts keeps your heart healthy. Although nuts are high in fats, the fats are mostly unsaturated. So from now on keep your nuts in the house all year long, not just during the holidays.
Of course all fruits and vegetables are heart foods, but scientists say that green leafy vegetables like spinach, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, and citrus fruits are especially good.
Follow these simple steps to keep your ticker ticking.
