Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Traditionally, a low fat diet has been the prescription for heart health which causes many people to shrink away. Not anymore! The good news is there are many things you can add to your diet that can greatly improve your risk factors of heart disease. Here are 6 power foods you can start adding to your diet to keep you heart healthy!
Nuts- Although nuts aren't exactly low in calories or fat, they contain high levels of unsaturated fats that are known to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown eating about one ounce of nuts every day will reduce the risk of heart disease in the long run by 30% according to Frank Hu, MD, PhD, associate professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health.
Soy- Soy has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Using soy on a weekly basis is a great step towards protecting your heart. If you are not a tofu fan, try soy milk or yogurt, garden burgers, edamme (soy beans), or soy sausage patties. There are all kinds of ways to include soy in your diet!
Hot Cocoa- Yes you read right! Cocoa contains high levels of flavonoids which are a class of phytochemicals known to help prevent heart disease. Researchers have found that hot cocoa has more disease-fighting antioxidants than tea or red wine and the heat may help propel them into the bloodstream. Hot cocoa is also much lower in saturated fats than other chocolate sources such as candy bars.
Beans and Lentils- including kidney beans, peas, black beans, etc. ---are high in both soluble fiber and folic acid to help lower cholesterol and decrease homocysteine levels (high homocysteine levels are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease).
Broccoli- A powerful antioxidant found in broccoli and broccoli sprouts may help protect the heart from high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. A new study shows the compound, called glucoraphanin, helped improve heart health, fight inflammation, and boost natural defense systems against oxidative stress.
Grape juice- The flavonoids in grape juice, like that in wine, have been shown to prevent the oxidation of so-called bad cholesterol (LDLs, or low-density lipoproteins) that leads to formation of plaque in artery walls. Grape juice can also lower the risk of developing the blood clots that lead to heart attacks.
Start adding these foods today and begin your journey to better heart health.
© Meri Raffetto, 2004
About the Author
Owner of Real Living Nutrition Services, Meri Raffetto is a Registered Dietitian and a recognized professional in the area of nutrition and wellness. She has developed two online weight management programs, The Mini Diet Makeover and The Ultimate Diet Makeover, which focus on a healthy, non-diet approach to weight loss. For more information or to sign up for our free newsletter, visit http://www.reallivingnutrition.com.
Fat is a nutrient that is a contributor to the... Read More
You can start today - right now, even - on... Read More
It is shocking how many people are not taking advantage... Read More
If you are like most people, you've tried dieting before.... Read More
One way to combat the boredom many people complain accompanies... Read More
The Immune System is probably the most important system in... Read More
The proliferation of fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and vending... Read More
It's 5:30 p.m. and you're heading home after a long,... Read More
Salt does Not Cause High Blood Pressure. Some things you... Read More
Since the beginning of time, everyday fruits have been known... Read More
One of the most common questions I am asked is... Read More
You wouldn't judge a book by its cover, would you?You... Read More
Before we get to honey we have a question from... Read More
Arthritis - if you suffer from this illness, I don't... Read More
Here's food for thought! Did you know the average restaurant... Read More
Whatever diet you choose to live by, the food you... Read More
The question most people think they need an answer to... Read More
With today's time constraints, stressful jobs, and "thin is in"... Read More
First of all you have to have a bucket. You... Read More
The ingredients list found on the back or side panel... Read More
Having spent most of my life living off of junk... Read More
Biological clockObviously you need biological clock to time and alarm... Read More
OK, no more excuses. Here's how to stop making everyone... Read More
Every day we are bombarded with information about food products... Read More
About 12.6 million Americans currently have heart disease.1.1 million Americans... Read More
You are what you eat is a simple, time tested... Read More
Our bodies are truly incredible machines. What makes cells healthy?... Read More
I confess: I'm completely addicted to Pringles. My determination weakens... Read More
The typical American diet already provides plenty of protein and... Read More
To many people, this may seem a simplistic answer to... Read More
The fact that diet directly affects behaviour is no news,... Read More
The American Heart Association recommends that you eat a variety... Read More
(ARA) - By now you probably think you've heard all... Read More
Remember the old adage, you are what you eat? The... Read More
In order to eat fewer calories than you need, you... Read More
Since the 1930's the western diet has dramatically changed. This... Read More
Come on, guys and gals. Those Trix are for kids.And... Read More
You can spot a juicer a mile off at the... Read More
You really are what you eat. You are also very... Read More
Please feel free to comment, so that the article may... Read More
According to the National Institute of Health, Magnesium is needed... Read More
Today's tip is on hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Hypoglycemia affects both... Read More
Cherries?A Supercharged FruitThe little red fruit that has been enjoyed... Read More
For those of us that understand nutrition and it's importance... Read More
The Mediterranean Diet is now recognized as one of the... Read More
Your face turns flush and your skin starts to itch.... Read More
Step 1: Eat five to ten servings per day of... Read More
When you take your food next time, take care of... Read More
This free list of fat burning foods will help you... Read More
Imagine you're a cell.Inside your body runs the machinery that... Read More
Nutrition Nutrition |
|
| العاب | منتديات هيدى | الزاوية الحمراء | |
|
Pharaohs products egypt products Egypt shopping Shopping in Egypt sho Egypt Bazaar Pharaohs Shoping Center Egypt Pharaohs |