Grocer's Dietitian Provides Ten Foods to Help
Customers Keep Their Hearts Healthy
During the month of March, as Americans honor
National Nutrition Month, there's no better reminder to take care
of your heart. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
report that about 600,000 people, or one out of four, die of heart
disease in the U.S. every year. To help customers obtain optimal
heart health, Tara Smith, MS, LD, RDN, Food Lion private brand
dietitian, offers customers a list of ten heart healthy foods, and
how they help.
"If you're looking to improve heart health and reduce your risk
for cardiovascular disease, it's best to eat foods with
anti-inflammatory properties," Smith said. "Generally speaking,
this would include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and
fish. Consuming fresh foods as much as possible while limiting
processed and fast foods will also help reduce and protect against
inflammation."
Below are ten heart healthy foods, as outlined by Smith:
1. Dark green leafy vegetables
– Broccoli, kale and spinach are some of the most nutrient-rich
foods you can eat. These powerhouse vegetables are packed with
vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, folate and fiber, all of
which are excellent for your heart. They are also low in calories,
with an average of 25 calories per serving.
2. "Fatty" fish – Salmon and
sardines, packed in water or olive oil, contain the omega-3 fatty
acids EPA and DHA, which protect against inflammation. Aim for at
least two servings of three to four ounces each, per week.
3. Walnuts – This simple food contains
vitamin E, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties,
B-vitamins and an array of minerals including iron, magnesium,
copper and zinc. Walnuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, and are
a good source of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linoleic acid. You
only need to consume a small handful to reap their benefits!
4. Quinoa – This trendy food is
usually referred to as a grain, but it is actually a seed. With no
cholesterol and very little sodium, combined with phytonutrients
and flavonoids, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties,
quinoa makes for a perfect food for your heart.
5. Lean meats – Beef and poultry
naturally contain saturated fat and cholesterol, both of which can
negatively impact heart health. Choose lean cuts of beef, such as
eye of round roast and top sirloin steak, and limit your intake of
red meat to just a few servings per week. White meat poultry
without the skin and bones, like chicken breast or tenderloins,
will help you trim down your intake of saturated fat and
cholesterol while providing you with high quality protein.
6. Extra virgin olive oil – This
monounsaturated fat contains natural compounds called phenols,
which provide cardiovascular benefits and reduce your risk of heart
disease. Use this as your main cooking oil instead of regular plant
oils such as sunflower, safflower, corn or mixed vegetable.
7. Tea – Good quality green, white and
black tea contain antioxidants called flavonoids which help fight
against free radicals that contribute to heart disease, and also
improve cholesterol levels. Remember, the more processed the tea
leaves, the less flavonoid content.
8. Whole grains – A "true" whole grain
that has anti-inflammatory properties must be intact, or whole, not
ground into flour. Whole grains are great sources of fiber, which
positively impacts cholesterol levels and digestive health. Try
brown rice, wild rice oats or rye to boost fiber intake at your
next meal.
9. Legumes – Dry beans and lentils are
widely touted for their health benefits and are among the most
inexpensive foods you can buy. Not only are they a good source of
protein, legumes are rich in potassium, magnesium, folic acid and B
vitamins. The soluble fiber found in legumes assist in lowering
cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Overall, legumes have been
shown to reduce the risk of death from heart disease.
10. Plain dark chocolate -
Enjoy small amounts, about one ounce, of this indulgent treat a few
times per week to get the benefits of flavonoids found in dark
chocolate. Flavonoids help protect plants from toxins and repair
damage, and it appears that we benefit in the same way when eating
flavonoid-rich foods.
About Food Lion
Food Lion, based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, has more than
1,100 stores in 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states and employs
more than 65,000 associates. By leveraging its longstanding
heritage of low prices and convenient locations, Food Lion is
working to own the easiest full shop grocery experience in the
Southeast, anchored by a strong commitment to affordability,
freshness and the communities it serves. Through Food Lion Feeds,
the company has committed to provide 500 million meals to
individuals and families in need by the end of 2020. Food Lion is a
company of Delhaize America, the U.S. division of Brussels-based
Delhaize Group (NYSE: DEG). For more information, visit
www.foodlion.com.
View source
version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160301006392/en/
Food LionCourtney James,
704-310-3768courtney.james@foodlion.com
Etablissements Delha (NYSE:DEG)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jun 2024 to Jul 2024
Etablissements Delha (NYSE:DEG)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jul 2023 to Jul 2024