5 Heart-Healthy Foods to Add to Your Grocery List
Heart health starts from within. Keep these good-for-you ingredients at your dinner table and stave off hunger and heart disease. Plus, we have included our favorite recipes from Delish.com!
Papaya
This tropical fruit is brimming with vitamin C and beta-carotene. The fiber and folate found in this superfood helps prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries) and boosts your immune system. Use papaya in your morning smoothie, a fruit salad, or throw it in a juicer. Try this recipe for Shrimp and Papaya Summer Rolls.
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Legumes
Legumes are high in protein and contain no cholesterol! Black beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, and lentils have the most health benefits. Choose dried over canned beans in order to avoid a sodium overload. Try this recipe for Black Bean-Goat Cheese Dip.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes aren't just for holidays anymore. These bright orange tubers are high in vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium and vitamin C. Substitute a sweet potato for russet potatoes in any recipe to get added heart benefits. Try this recipe for Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew.
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Red Bell Pepper
If your favorite recipe calls for peppers, choose the red variety for the best health benefits. Red bell peppers contain lycopene and are also high in vitamins A and C. Try this recipe forStuffed Baby Bell Peppers.
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Blueberries
Every beauty buff knows that blueberries are high in antioxidants. Another bonus benefit in this fruit is the polyphenols which help reduce your chances of heart disease. So you should look for ways to incorporate more berries - lingonberries, strawberries, and raspberries (oh my!) - into your diet. Try this recipe for Blueberry-Lemon Tea Bread.
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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
