Good for Your Heart

Love Your Heart!
These foods will help your heart be healthier:
1.  Oatmeal - well known for the ability to lower cholesterol significantly (by 8 to 23 percent) in people with elevated levels, oatmeal is also a good source of fiber, omega 3's, vitamin B1 and magnesium.  Toss in a handful of almonds or walnuts to up its heart benefits and add a nutty crunch. 
2.  Blueberries - packed with antioxidants, blueberries are a ood source of beta carotene, lutein, calcium, viatmin C adn fiber.  They're also versatile.  Pop them into your mouth for a snack add to a green salad, mix them into a yogurt smoothie, or use them as a filling for breakfast crepes.  They're available frozen or fesh year-round. 
3. Spinach - Popeye was right; this dark green, leafy vetable is good for you and for your heart.  With the carotenoid lutein, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, and fiber, it's a terrific heart-healthy substitute for lettuce in dalads and sandwiches.  you can also steam it, toss it into an omelet, layer it in lasagna, or simmer it in soup.
4.  Garlic - this amazing and pungent herb has been shown to decrease total cholesterol while increasing good (HDL) cholesterol-with the addedbenefit of lowering high blood pressure.  It'll add zing to your stir-fries, sauces, soups, and mashed potatoes.  Steep it in olive oil for a week, andthen use the oil in dressings and marinades.
5.  Brown Rice - In addition to being a good source of B vitamins, iron, selenium, and magnesium, brown rice contains gamma-oryzanoi, which lowers cholesterol.  Substitute it for white rice, which is leached of its nutrients during processing.  Cooked rice can be used in stir-fries, as a side dish, in desserts, or scrambled into eggs.
6. Tomatoes - these cookign staples contain carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.  Their heart benefits come from lycopene, a red carotene that's been shown to lower the risk of heart disease.  Use them on sandwiches, in salads, or cook them into sauces and soups.