Rapid Fat Loss Diets

Friday, March 13, 2009

A Healthier Heart Can Be Yours in the Produce Aisle

By Gary Betsworth

Most people know that they should include plenty of vegetables and fruit in their daily menu. Any kind of vegetables or fruits that you add will have health benefits. But some are more important than others when it comes to your heart health.

Two important categories of vegetables are dark, leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables. Instead of iceberg lettuce, choose a variety that has a darker green color. This means that it contains more heart healthy nutrition than lighter varieties. Other important vegetables are cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and kale.

Your best choices in fruit are from the citrus family. Pick oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes for a healthy heart. You'll get the most benefit if you eat the whole fruit in its fresh form. But you can also benefit from the nutrition contained in fruit juice.

Most people have between one and three servings of fruits and vegetables each day. This is far short of the minimum of five that's recommended. And eating between seven and nine servings is even healthier. However, don't try to go from one serving to nine all at once. Take it slow and add them into your diet gradually. Try these tips to help you effortlessly add some extra servings at mealtime.

If you like eggs for breakfast, add some tomatoes, onions, peppers and mushrooms. Drink some fruit juice with your toast and coffee. Make up a smoothie containing whole fruit that you can take with you as you head out the door. Or add some fruit to your cereal.

When you make your sandwich for lunch, add lots of vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, in addition to the typical lettuce leaf. Eat a bowl of vegetable soup. Eat a small salad along with your main course, or make the salad itself the entree. Adding fruit to your salad gives both a flavor and nutrition boost.

If vegetables are already a staple of your evening meal, try adding an extra serving to your plate. If you're not eating a vegetable with dinner at all, make a point of adding one. Stews and hearty soups are a great way to include veggies in a satisfying meal. Or try having a salad right before the main course.

You don't have to make major changes to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet. Simply add a serving here or there. It won't be long before you're getting what you need for optimal heart wellness. - 17273

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