February is American Heart Month, making it the perfect time to focus on cardiovascular health. Nourishing your heart with the right foods can help prevent heart disease and maintain overall wellness. Let’s explore seven heart-healthy ingredients, their nutritional benefits, and how to incorporate them into your diet with tried-and-true Jow recipes.
1. Salmon
Salmon is one of our favorite protein sources and it’s a heart health hero. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps reduce inflammation, lower triglycerides, and improve cholesterol levels.
2. Spinach
Leafy greens like spinach are packed with potassium, nitrates, and folate, which help regulate blood pressure and support healthy blood vessel function. Spinach is one of our go-to leafy greens – easy to add to all sorts of recipes for a nutritional boost.
3. Walnuts
Walnuts are small but mighty, brimming with omega-3s, antioxidants, and magnesium. A handful of walnuts makes for an excellent snack, or you can sprinkle them over salads, oatmeal, or yogurt.
4. Avocado
Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium, both of which are excellent for managing cholesterol levels and maintaining healthy blood pressure. Add it to sandwiches, toss it in salads, or use it to make creamy, heart-friendly dressings.
5. Oats
Oats are a whole-grain powerhouse, rich in soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which helps reduce bad cholesterol. Enjoy a bowl of oatmeal or overnight oats to start your day, or use oats to create baked goods with a nutritious twist.
6. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet – packed with monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. At Jow, olive oil is a pantry staple and our go-to cooking oil.
Incorporating these six ingredients into your meals is a simple yet powerful way to support your heart health. And with Jow as your assistant chef, it’s easy to shop and cook heart-healthy, delicious recipes any night of the week.