Avocado
Avocados, a great source of heart-healthy MUFA, contain more of the cholesterol-smashing beta-sitosterol than any other fruit.
Eating Tip: Mash a 1/4-cup Hass avocado with lime juice, salt and pepper and serve with baked chips or raw vegetables.
Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate
Chocolate or, more specifically, cocoa powder made from
ground, defatted cocoa beans, contains compounds that have the potential
to protect against heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes.
Eating Tip: Melt 1/4-cup of dark or semi-sweet chocolate. Drizzle over fresh strawberries for a belly-flattening dessert
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is the best plant source of omega-3 fatty acids
and helps reduce systemic inflammation, which researchers believe may
lead to heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Eating Tip: Stir 1 tablespoon into a smoothie as a healthy afternoon snack.
Macadamia Nuts
Adding nuts and seeds to your diet can yield heart-health benefits. Macadamia nuts also contain fiber to help with digestion.
Eating Tip: Crush 2 tablespoons macadamia nuts. Dip
one 3-ounce portion of chicken breast or 4 ounce piece of fish in
low-fat milk, then press nuts to adhere. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-20
minutes or until done.
Natural Peanut Butter
A serving of peanut butter contains the antioxidant vitamin
E, bone-building magnesium, muscle-friendly potassium, and
immunity-boosting vitamin B6.
Eating Tip: Toss a half-cup of whole grain noodles
with 3 oz cooked shrimp, minced scallions, and 1/4 cup sliced red bell
pepper. Dress with a mixture of 2 tbsp peanut butter, 2 tbsp warm water
and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is the best all around for cooking and salads
because it contains mostly MUFA, which lowers "bad" LDL cholesterol
without affecting "good" HDL cholesterol. The greener the oil, the more
antioxidants, so go for extra-virgin.
Eating Tip: Basil pesto and sundried tomato paste are also good sources of olive oil.
Pistachios
Pistachios contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that help protect against age-related macular degeneration.
Eating Tip: Stir 2 tablespoons toasted pistachios
into ½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese with 2 teaspoons honey and 2
tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet snack.
Sourse:
prevention.com
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