Its Valentine’s Day week! This day not only represents romance, but also self-love! And since hearts are the main symbol for this holiday, we have a few tips on how to eat well for your heart health:
Citrus – fruits that are high in vitamin C, such as oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit, are essential to your heart health as this vitamin helps protect against heart disease.
Tomatoes and blueberries – high in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, tomatoes are great to eat that will lower bad cholesterol, also known as LDL. Berries, particularly blueberries, contain high amounts of antioxidants called flavonoids that also lower LDL cholesterol, as well as dilate your blood vessels to lower blood pressure.
Green tea – green tea is filled with multiple antioxidants that can help boost your immune system and protect your heart. It also contains and LDL-reducing element, known as catechins.
Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds – nuts and seeds that contain high contents of healthy fats can actually help protect the heart by displacing bad cholesterol and building up your good cholesterol (HDL).
Cacao – raw cacao is high in magnesium, which is great for reducing hypertension, lowering blood pressure and maintaining a healthy heart beat. It also contains an abundance of flavonoids.
Featured Recipe: HAZELNUT AND RASPBERRY TRUFFLES
In a food processor, blend 1 C hazelnut flour, 1 C rolled oat flour, ½ C hazelnut butter, ¼ C maple syrup, ¼ C honey, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, ¼ C raw cacao powder and blend until smooth.
Halve raspberries and fold mixture over them until they form small 2-inch balls. Coat in raw cacao powder (if too bitter, skip this step) and enjoy!
