Serve up a romantic meal that nourishes your heart this Valentine’s Day.
Show your heart some love this Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month! Embracing a deliciously nourishing heart-healthy diet can not only reduce your risk of heart disease, but also stop and reverse it in its tracks. Tonight, make your sweetheart a delectable feast with one or more of these six heart-healthy foods:
1. Asparagus
Asparagus is loaded with anti-inflammatory nutrients like folate and vitamins C and D that promote heart health. Make a batch of oven roasted asparagus with a few simple ingredients, including olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, lemon, and pepper. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have an utterly delicious heart-healthy side dish to complement any romantic meal.
2. Black Beans
Folate, magnesium, and antioxidants are a few of the many heart-healthy nutrients you’ll find in black beans. Not only are they versatile, but black beans are also an instant crowd pleaser in hearty homemade dishes, like black bean soup, avocado lime black beans, or black bean burritos.
3. Avocado
Avocados are some of the best foods for your heart. They provide the body with healthy monounsaturated fats that may reduce cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease. You can eat these heart-healthy delights on their own, blend them into delicious guacamole, or add them to a salad or sandwich.
Get a quick tutorial on slicing and dicing avocados here.
4. Wild Salmon
Wild salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy heart. It is also rich in an antioxidant called selenium, which is proven to protect the heart. Load up on these healthy salmon recipes that are well-suited for weeknight dinner or an extra special occasion.
5. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and full of antioxidants, fiber, iron, and calcium. They can help you achieve optimal heart health and are easy to incorporate into your everyday routine. Simply sprinkle on granola, yogurt, or mix in a smoothie. Or try a heart-healthy dessert with this chia seed pudding recipe.
6. Oatmeal
There’s no doubt about it – oatmeal is a delicious, comforting, and heart-healthy way to start your day. Treat your special someone to an oatmeal breakfast packed with omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and folate or try one of these healthy oatmeal recipes that you can make for any meal.
Fall in love with these healthy foods for your heart! Your Valentine will thank you – and your ticker will too. For more health and wellness articles, visit our growing collection of blog articles here.
