We’ve all heard the term superfood, but how many of us have wondered what superfoods actually are? Superfoods are rich in nutrients that are known for their “super powers” in promoting well-being. They are the super heroes of the food world, so to speak.
We’ve compiled a list of superfoods you should have in your pantry that promote heart health:
1. Flaxseed
Flaxseed has been revered for its health benefits for centuries, even Charles the Great required his subjects to consume it.
Flaxseed is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and antioxidants. Plant based omega-3’s help keep the rhythm of our hearts normal. According to our partner Sister to Sister Foundation, having high cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease. Flaxseed’s soluble fiber keeps cholesterol low.
Now that you know the benefits of flaxseed, how will you incorporate it into your diet? It’s easier than you think. You can simply add them to your morning cereal, oatmeal or parfait.
2. Blueberries
Yummy blueberries made our list. Their benefits include antioxidants, Vitamin C and K.
The antioxidant in blueberries is anthocyanin which has anti-carcinogenic properties. Vitamin C helps fight the damage made by free radicals which play a part in the causes of heart disease. Vitamin K helps reduce calcium build up in the arteries.
Add frozen blueberries to smoothies instead of ice, add them to your make muffin mixes, or just eat them raw by the handful!
Here’s a recipe that includes our first two superfoods: Blueberry Flaxseed Muffins.
3. Cacao
To complete our list we have Cacao, chocolate in its purest and healthiest form.
Cacao includes iron, anandamide, and fiber. Iron helps carry oxygen throughout our bodies. Anandamide the “bliss molecule” gives us a feeling of happiness and relaxation. Who doesn’t need a bit of that?
Cacao mainly comes in nibs, small roasted pieces of the bean. Eat them raw, or add to smoothies, trail mix or even salad.
Our partners at the Heart Truth remind us, doing one healthy thing will not overcome the risk of heart disease. These superfoods mixed with a balance of exercise and other healthy life style choices can promote heart health. Visit your local hospital’s websites for more heart healthy tips. Here are our Women’s Choice Awarded Hospitals for Heart Care.
So, what kinds of recipes can you come up with that incorporate these superfoods in a way that the whole family will love? Share with us here!
We’ve compiled a list of superfoods you should have in your pantry that promote heart health:
1. Flaxseed
Flaxseed has been revered for its health benefits for centuries, even Charles the Great required his subjects to consume it.
Flaxseed is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and antioxidants. Plant based omega-3’s help keep the rhythm of our hearts normal. According to our partner Sister to Sister Foundation, having high cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease. Flaxseed’s soluble fiber keeps cholesterol low.
Now that you know the benefits of flaxseed, how will you incorporate it into your diet? It’s easier than you think. You can simply add them to your morning cereal, oatmeal or parfait.
2. Blueberries
Yummy blueberries made our list. Their benefits include antioxidants, Vitamin C and K.
The antioxidant in blueberries is anthocyanin which has anti-carcinogenic properties. Vitamin C helps fight the damage made by free radicals which play a part in the causes of heart disease. Vitamin K helps reduce calcium build up in the arteries.
Add frozen blueberries to smoothies instead of ice, add them to your make muffin mixes, or just eat them raw by the handful!
Here’s a recipe that includes our first two superfoods: Blueberry Flaxseed Muffins.
3. Cacao
To complete our list we have Cacao, chocolate in its purest and healthiest form.
Cacao includes iron, anandamide, and fiber. Iron helps carry oxygen throughout our bodies. Anandamide the “bliss molecule” gives us a feeling of happiness and relaxation. Who doesn’t need a bit of that?
Cacao mainly comes in nibs, small roasted pieces of the bean. Eat them raw, or add to smoothies, trail mix or even salad.
Our partners at the Heart Truth remind us, doing one healthy thing will not overcome the risk of heart disease. These superfoods mixed with a balance of exercise and other healthy life style choices can promote heart health. Visit your local hospital’s websites for more heart healthy tips. Here are our Women’s Choice Awarded Hospitals for Heart Care.
So, what kinds of recipes can you come up with that incorporate these superfoods in a way that the whole family will love? Share with us here!
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