Nutrition Corner

Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in adults in the United States for the past 80 years, despite the rise in awareness. Heart disease can be prevented with proper nutrition. A plant-based diet has the most benefits. Because of it’s high antioxidant content, it helps improve blood circulation and decrease inflammation. In Chinese medicine, the color red correlates to the element of the heart. Eat more plant-based foods, especially red foods which are packed with antioxidants such as lycopene and anthocyanin that help combat heart disease. Strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, beets, watermelon, and pomegranates are just a few to mention. Other heart healthy foods are found in various colors and contain healthy fat, like omega 3 fatty acid. Foods for decreasing LDL (low density lipoprotein) and increasing HDL (high density lipoprotein) are salmon, sardines, anchovy, nuts (walnuts, almonds, pistachio, macadamia), legumes, and avocado. Love yourself extra this month and eat better!