When most people think of healthy foods, they think GREEN. But studies show that the color RED isn’t only the official color of The American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” heart health awareness movement, but it’s also the color of the foods that both men and women should have in their diet to maintain a happy, healthy heart. Here are some examples (from CBS News) of red “heart foods,” why they’re so great for you, and a delicious dish you can make with each!

TOMATOES: DISH: Fresh tomato sauce over pasta
- One of the MOST concentrated food sources of Lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect you from heart disease
- Low Cal – A medium size tomato only has 22 calories
- Part of your recommended daily amount for fruits and veggies: at least 4.5 cups a day

BEETS: DISH: Beet Salad
- Provides 19% of your daily value for Folate
- NO saturated fat
- High in manganese and potassium

RED CHILI PEPPERS: DISH: CHILI
- Contains an antioxidant (capsaicin)
- Can help protect blood vessels
- Increases your body’s metabolism

RED KIDNEY BEANS – DISH: CHILI
- low in fat, contain no cholesterol, and are high in folate, potassium, iron and magnesium
- good source of fiber – can help you feel full longer, which may help in weight loss
- healthy sub for red meat
- AHA recommends eating at least 4 servings/week of beans, nuts or seeds

POMEGRANATE – DISH: Yogurt sprinkled with seeds
- may help reduce the buildup of plaque in arteries and lower blood pressure
- rich with Vitamin C and antioxidants – which may reduce inflammation and lower BAD cholesterol
- **WARNING: check with your doctors, may have interactions with medications, may not be for people on statins

Popular Posts

• Are Eggs Harmful to Your Heart?
• Flying Does Not Increase Risk for Heart-Health Patients
• Heart Healthy Quesadillas
• Birth Control Pills Can Affect Blood Pressure
• Good Fats vs. Bad Fats

Related posts:

1. Best Heart Healthy Foods Check out this list for some of the best heart...
2. Soy’s Heart Healthy Benefits Many adults in America suffer from high cholesterol, which is...
3. Good Fats vs. Bad Fats Fat is not a word most people think of when...
4. How fish is cooked affects heart-health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids Research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2009...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.