February is the American Heart Association’s Heart Health Month. What better way to keep your heart healthy than to fuel your body with foods that will help achieve this goal. Three foods that are especially helpful in keeping your heart healthy are white beans, salmon and tea.
White Beans are high in potassium, a mineral that can actually blunt the effects of the high sodium diets most Americans consume. They are also a great source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, fiber, and protein.
Salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce your risk of a heart attack by a third or more just by eating one to two servings of salmon per week. The Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body that can damage your blood vessels and lead to heart disease. Salmon is also a great source for protein, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron.
Teas, both black and green, are high in flavonoids. Emerging evidence is showing flavonoids can inhibit the development of atherosclerosis, and may enhance nitric oxide status and improve endothelial function. And, how cozy and warm is a nice cup of tea on a cold February day.
We all know changing your diet can be difficult but by eating these 3 heart healthy foods you’ll be kick-starting your way towards a healthier lifestyle, an increased quality of life, and increased life expectancy without heart disease. The Heart Healthy month of February is a good time to start adding these three powerhouse foods to your diet.
