Foods that Keep Your Heart Healthy
February is Heart Health Month, the perfect time to focus on foods that help keep your heart healthy.
Two groups of foods that are good for the heart are fruits and vegetables! These are good for your heart because of what they do contain and because of what they don’t contain. Fruits and vegetables are already naturally low in fat, calories and sodium, and they have no cholesterol. They also contain fiber and water as well as many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help keep your heart healthy. They key is to fill your plate with a variety of fruits and vegetables every day because … More Matters!
Check out these ideas for increasing your intake of heart-healthy fruits and vegetables …
Two groups of foods that are good for the heart are fruits and vegetables! These are good for your heart because of what they do contain and because of what they don’t contain. Fruits and vegetables are already naturally low in fat, calories and sodium, and they have no cholesterol. They also contain fiber and water as well as many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help keep your heart healthy. They key is to fill your plate with a variety of fruits and vegetables every day because … More Matters!
Check out these ideas for increasing your intake of heart-healthy fruits and vegetables …
- Eat fresh, canned (in water or juice) or frozen fruits
for a snack or dessert. - Eat frozen vegetables as a fast side-dish (avoid sauce or flavor pouches – they have added fat, calories and sodium).
- Try a new and different fresh vegetable each month.
Fix it different ways to see which you like best. - Add extra vegetables to stews, soups, side dishes and casseroles.
- Include canned vegetables. If sodium is a concern, rinse them before eating or try the low-sodium versions.
- Include fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables, as well as 100% fruit or vegetable juice in your day!
(Look for low-sodium canned tomato and vegetable juice.) - Add slices of fresh oranges, lemons, limes or other fruits to water;
you’ll get a refreshing low-calorie drink. - Top your cereal or oatmeal with berries, bananas, peaches or raisins.
- Pile on the lettuce, tomato, peppers, carrots and spinach on your sandwiches.
Jennifer Egeland, RD LD
Registered Dietitian
Hen House Markets
Fruit & Vegetable Recipes
Video Center: Selection, Storage, and Preparation of Fruits & Vegetables
