Heart Healthy Super Foods

Antioxidants, MUFA’s, DHA-EPA, Flavonoids; what are these?  Just some of the nutrients that promote heart health.  But, we don’t eat nutrients, we eat foods.  Use our list of super foods for your nutrient rich diet.

Antioxidants:  “Warriors” that protect cells from damage by free-radicals.  Excellent antioxidant foods include:

• Colorful fruit and vegetables and juices
  • Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice
  • Tropicana Pure Juices (especially the Raspberry Acai blend!)
  • V-8 Fusion and V-8 Vegetable Juices (reduced sodium)
  • Dei Fratelli Tomato Products

Flavonoids: A unique antioxidant that may also promote the relaxation of blood vessels and regulation of hormones that influence heart health. 

• Dark Chocolate - enjoy Dove Dark Chocolate in moderation (about 1 ounce each day J)
• Planters Nut-rition Heart Healthy (Light Salt) packs the power of Flavonoids along with healthy monounsaturated fats.  Eat 1/4 cup of nuts daily.

            (Keep quantities of these foods in moderation to control calories.)

Monounsaturated Fats (MUFA) and Omega-3 Fats (DHA/EPA):  These strengthen the heart and blood vessels—especially when they replace saturated fats (such as animal fats):

• Silk Soymilk Plus Omega 3 DHA
• Smart Balance Light Spread with Flax Oil
• Crisco Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Reducing Sodium:  Cutting back on salt decreases water retention, aiding in normal blood pressure. 

• Mrs. Dash Salt Free Seasonings
• Campbell’s Healthy Request Soups

Fiber:  Bran fibers are filling and soluble fibers reduce bad cholesterol levels

• Martha White Bran Muffin Mix (bonus: add 1-2 Tablespoons ground flaxseed meal)
• Meijer Oats
• Meijer Beans

Healthy Gums:  Bacteria from periodontal disease can enter the blood stream and contribute to heart disease.  For healthy teeth, gums and a healthy heart:

• Colgate Advanced Clean Toothpaste and Toothbrushes

Attention Meijer Shoppers!  

Let’s work together to improve our heart health ranking!  According to American Heart Association 2008 statistics, we have the unflattering honor of being in the top 21 states that lead the nation for heart disease death rates:

            No. 1.   Mississippi

            No. 8.   Kentucky

            No. 13. Michigan

            No. 14. Indiana

            No. 15. Ohio

            No. 21. Illinois

            Interestingly enough, the cold state of Minnesota has the fewest number of heart disease related deaths annually.