Heart Healthy Foods

During the month of February, hearts are commonly seen as decorations for Valentine’s Day. However, February is also American Heart Month. As we age, it becomes increasingly important to care for your heart. While there are many ways to do so, one of the main ways to ensure that your heart is healthy is to monitor your diet.

Eating vegetables and fruits can be a great source of vitamins and minerals. These foods are low in calories and rich in fiber. Plant based foods also contain substances that prevent cardiovascular disease. These snacks can be great alternatives to meat, cheese, and other processed treats.

Whole grains are another good source of fiber and other nutrients that play a role in regulating blood pressure and heart health. Increasing whole grain intake is easy! Substituting whole grains for refined grain products or trying a new whole grain is an amazing way to care for your heart.

Limiting unhealthy fats such as saturated and trans fat is an important step in reducing cholesterol and lowering your risk of coronary artery disease. It’s also important to limit sodium intake. Too much sodium is a risk factor for heart disease. This can be remedied by making more food at home as opposed to pre-made meals.

While these aren’t all the foods and strategies that can be used to improve your heart health, these tips are a good starting point. Making sure that your diet is beneficial to your heart is especially important for older adults. It’s also important to remember that an occasional treat is ok. Caring for your heart health can be delicious and fun!

Elder Law of Omaha provides free 30 minute consultation to provide options for people in planning for their potential long-term care needs. If you, a loved one, or a client need help figuring out the available options, please call us today at 402-614-6400 to schedule your consultation or visit our website at www.ElderLawOmaha.com.