February is American Heart Month. Diet plays a major role in heart health and can impact your risk of heart disease. Here are 5 heart healthy foods that you might not have thought of, that you should be eating to maximize your heart health.
- Walnuts
Walnuts are a great source of fiber and by incorporating a few servings of walnuts into your diet, you can help protect yourself from heart disease because they help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure which may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
- Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene - which has antioxidant properties - and have been associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol. - Garlic
For centuries, people have been using garlic as a natural remedy for a variety of things. More recent research even shows it can improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol..png?width=1920&name=Thorek%20Homepage%20Slider%20(1920%20%C3%97%201000%20px).png)
- Olive Oil
Olive oil has been known to lower blood pressure and heart disease risk. This is due to its antioxidants, which can relieve inflammation, and monounsaturated fatty acids, which can increase in heart health. - Edamame
Edamame contains soy isoflavones, which have been known to help decrease cholesterol levels. Edamame is also full of fiber and antioxidants, which can also increase heart health.
For more information on health and nutrition, you can contact the Thorek Memorial Chicago Hospital Food & Nutrition Department at 773-975-6805.
And to schedule an appointment with a doctor to talk about your Heart Health, contact us at 773-975-6771 or request an appointment online here.