Heart Healthy Superstar Foods, Part 1

Roasted soy nuts – This crunchy, nutty, great-tasting whole soy food is loaded with heart-healthy goodness including B vitamins, vitamin E, omega 3 fats, and soluble fiber.  Whole soy foods have been shown to lower both blood pressure and cholesterol, providing a double-bonus for heart-health.

Walnuts – Nuts in general score a perfect 10 when it comes to heart-healthy performance, but walnuts are the true gold medal winner.  Walnuts are rich in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin E, and provide more omega 3 fats than any other nut.  Strive to include a small handful daily.

Steel Cut Oats – Known as the “gourmet oatmeal” – this delicious whole grain is overflowing with goodness including a potent cholesterol-lowering, soluble fiber called beta-glucan and the heart-healthy minerals manganese, selenium, and magnesium. Filling, yet low in calories, a small bowl of steel-cut oats for breakfast will keep your waist trim and your heart happily pumping.

Cherries – This gem of a fruit is red hot when it comes to heart health.  Cherries provide a healthy dose of fiber, vitamin C, and beta carotene, but are most prized for the super-potent plant pigments they provide called anthocyanins.  Anthocyanins reduce both oxidation and inflammation – providing a vital, one-two punch that keeps your arteries open and healthy.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil– This highly flavored, for real make-me-healthier fat provides four separate benefits to your arteries – making it hands down the very best oil for your heart.  It’s unique combination of monounsaturated fats and antioxidant polyphenols have been shown to lower bad (LDL) cholesterol, boost good (HDL) cholesterol, decrease inflammation, and lower blood pressure.

For more on healthy grocery shopping, check out my line of Healthy Grocery Lists.

Part 2

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Healthy Grocery Shopping

Healthy Snacking, Part 1