FEBRUARY 2016

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY from our staff! Every February we focus on Heart Health; this month I will be doing as well but from a different angle.

The food we eat affects how we feel; how we look; how we age; how our organs and systems age. Since we all have to eat; I’m covering extremely heart healthy foods for you to incorporate into your eating plan.

1. Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, kale and spinach may reduce your risk for heart issues by 40% with only 3 servings a week. If you notice the broccoli floret resembles the bundle branch of the cardiovascular system. Over the years certain cultures believed that when a vegetable resembled a bodily system it benefited that system…makes sense!
2. Whole grains contain antioxidants and phytochemicals acting synergistically to lower Blood Pressure and help clear cholesterol out of the body. Eating whole grains containing the bran (outer layer) and the germ (inner layer) regularly can reduce your risk for heart problems by 40%. Examples are whole grain wheat, bran, quinoa, brown rice, oats etc.
3. Nuts, my personal favorites can help reduce your risk for heart disease by 30%. Champions are walnuts, almonds. Brazil nuts and (macadamia nuts in smaller servings). I eat almond and walnuts on my whole grain oatmeal 5 mornings a week…so good!
4. Salmon, sardines, mackerel, cod, halibut, and tilapia are all high in Omega 3 containing EPA and DHA. Eating 2-3 servings a week may turn around your cholesterol levels beginning in only 2 weeks’ time!
5. Dark Chocolate!  I love, chocolate; it truly is a food group in my opinion!  Eating 20 grams per day of %70 dark chocolate is linked to increased arterial dilation thus improving blood flow! The polyphenols contained in this treat are the game changers! Treat the one you love to some Dark Chocolate this Valentine’s Day.
6. Pair that Dark Chocolate with a 4-6 oz. glass of Red Wine daily and you not only have the start of a romantic evening; but you are again lowering your risk for heart disease. Red wine is loaded with antioxidants and helps to lower your cholesterol!
7. Finally drinking two cups of Green Tea a day can help lower your risk for heart attack by 16% and lower your risk for stroke by an amazing 60%. Brew that Tea; lift your Pinky and watch Downton Abby to relax and stay healthy!

Think about this; even before we had our great array of Supplements; which we know can make a HUGE difference in your life people cooked; chopped and boiled foods and herbs for health. Find the balance; eat well; supplement what you can’t get from food, exercise, and sleep well.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY AND HERE’S TO A HEART HEALTHY LIFE!

Barbara