Did you know February marks American Heart Month? American Heart Month brings awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women, and encourages people to take steps to improve their cardiovascular health.
By taking preventive measures, you can lower your risk of developing heart disease and improve your overall health and well-being. There are many aspects of heart healthy living and choosing healthy foods is one of them. There are so many options for local, healthy, naturally grown food in our area, giving us easy access to heart healthy choices. Do your heart a favor by adding these foods to your list on your next visit to YFM.
Gabe at Abe’s Acres Farm has you covered with all the heart healthy winter produce. Gabe grows a range of annual veggies, all with better than organic practices (chat with him to learn all about his growing practices!). Everything on the farm is grown sustainably, without chemicals or sprays. By maintaining healthy soils and a balanced ecosystem, the farm is able to produce nutrient dense, flavorful food. Below are some heart healthy produce items that Gabe may have thorough the winter months:
o Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are low in cholesterol and high in fiber. They have detoxifying enzymes and antioxidant properties that help keep arteries from clogging.
o Kale (or any leafy green) is great source of inflammation-fighting minerals that help prevent plaque formation on your arteries.
o Apples contain pectin which blocks absorption of cholesterol, and fiber, which sweeps out cholesterol.
Many whole grains are good sources of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber can help improve blood cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity and even type 2 diabetes. Fiber can also help you feel full, which means you’ll be satisfied with fewer calories. Anne from Love Grown Grains carries Red Cat Farm grain products, including many whole grain varieties (like rolled oats and wheat berries, and whole grain flour). Red Cat Farm uses pollinated grains and wheats, which are old-standing strains that have not been hybridized or much altered for mass market production. In some instances, these varieties of wheat are more easily tolerated by people with gluten sensitivities. These varieties are free from GMOs and are not sprayed with harmful chemicals. They are mechanically harvested when naturally ripe, not sprayed with herbicide to hasten maturity, which is better for people and the planet.
It is thought that saturated fats found in animal protein may increase blood cholesterol levels and increase risk of heart disease. Choosing leaner cuts of meat may help to reduce intake of saturated fats. Spring Creek Farm carries a wide variety of different cuts of meats and poultry, many of which can be included as part of a heart healthy diet. Spring Creek Farm raises 100% grass-fed and finished beef and certified organic eggs from their pasture raised hens. They use regenerative agriculture practices to enrich the soil and surrounding habitats. These farming practices have also been thought to produce animals which are lower in total fat content, contain more heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and contain more antioxidants, such as vitamin E.
What are your favorite heart healthy foods from YFM? Let us know!
For more information visit www.heart.org
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