Keep your cardiac health in the best possible shape by choosing nutrient-rich foods that are low in sugar and unhealthy fats. The foods that we put on our plates can make or break our wellness goals. So choose wisely.
The American Heart Association recommends foods that contain an abundance of vitamins and minerals, such as fiber and protein. What you don't eat also matters -- look for foods that are low in saturated fat, sodium and trans fats.
Key ingredients
If you are looking for a few superfoods to add to your heart-healthy diet, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends:
Dairy foods that are low-fat or fat-free
Eggs, legumes, lean meats, poultry and other protein-rich foods
Fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as mackerel, salmon and tuna
Fruits and vegetables
Oils and foods high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including avocados, salmon and trout, almonds, pine nuts and walnuts, and canola, sunflower and corn oils
Whole grains
Get creative as you cook to support cardiac health. Try different flavors and combinations and incorporate seasonal ingredients to keep your menus as inspiring as they are nourishing.
Foods that can sabotage your heart-healthy diet
You have been working diligently to fill up on heart-healthy fruits, vegetables and fiber-filled whole grains. Well done! Eating healthy foods is only one piece of the puzzle if you are trying to improve the well-being of your heart. Limiting your intake of salt-laden, sugar-rich items is also important.
Skip these menu items:
Processed meats -- Deli meats, such as bologna, sausage and turkey, are typically preserved with nitrites and salt.
Refined grains -- Items like white rice and bread may cause blood sugar spikes. They're also missing lots of the nutrients found in their whole-grain counterparts, such as dietary fiber and phytonutrients.
Soda -- A 12-ounce can of this bubbly drink can pack as much as 10 teaspoons of sugar and more than 100 empty calories. To keep your diet on track, consider sugar-free teas and low-calorie juices instead.
Concerned about your heart health? Quality cardiovascular care is right around the corner at Northwest Cardiology -- Siloam Springs. To schedule an appointment, call 479-215-3060.
About Siloam Springs Regional Hospital
Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is a 73 licensed bed facility with 42 private patient rooms. It is accredited by the State of Arkansas Department of Health Services and The Joint Commission. Some services include inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency medicine, medical, surgical and intensive care units, obstetrics, outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. With more than 50 physicians on the medical staff, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital provides compassionate, customer-focused care. SSRH is an affiliate of Northwest Health, the largest health system in Northwest Arkansas. Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is located at 603 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs. For more information, visit NorthwestHealth.com.
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Healthy Living: Dietary tips your heart will love - Westside Eagle Observer
