Food RX: Heart Health

February is heart month so let’s spend it focusing on taking great care of this amazing organ! There are several key nutrients to include in a heart healthy diet.

Antioxidants help us quench the free radicals that cause cholesterol to oxidize and become dangerous in our arteries.

A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables (vitamins C, E and Selenium) helps prevent that free radical damage.

Focus on eating enough healthy fats that help us reduce inflammation in the arterial walls. Cold water fish (salmon), walnuts, avocadoes and extra virgin olive oil are great sources of essential fatty acids that support the heart. Many Americans are deficient in magnesium, which is a very important mineral that helps calm us, relaxes the heart and decreases blood pressure making it a very important nutrient for our heart health. Good sources of magnesium include black beans, the grain millet and sunflower seeds. So spread the love this month and always by eating to nourish THE HEART!