While February is known for Valentine’s Day and the figurative heart that is full of love, it’s also American Heart Month. American Heart Month wants everyone to remember that a healthy heart should be a top priority for everyone and that there are things you can do to keep your heart healthy or improve its health. Hiring home care providers would help to oversee the plan to follow.
If your loved one has a family history of heart disease or has struggled with it personally, helping him keep his heart healthy should be a priority all year round, not just in February. But February can also be a great time to start if it’s new to him and you.
One of the key components of a healthy heart is eating right. Your home care team is a great resource as they can help prepare meals that promote heart health. If one of your home care providers helps your loved one shop or does the shopping for him, they can pick up some of the foods on this list so your loved one will have what he needs right at home for meals that help his heart stay strong and healthy.
Let’s look at some great foods for the heart.
Salmon
Considered a superfood, salmon is packed full of Omega-3s. Omega-3s are healthy fats that can reduce the risk of heart rhythm disorders and lower blood pressure. Fresh salmon is best, but frozen is a great option as well. Your loved one should strive to have salmon 2-3 times a week. If salmon is too expensive, tuna is another great fatty fish that is rich in Omega-3s.
Edamame
Edamame are soy beans. And soy protein is a great way to lower cholesterol levels. If your loved one struggles with high cholesterol, which can lead to heart health problems, pick up some edamame for snacking or adding to meals such as stir-fries. You can usually find it frozen or fresh at most grocery stores.
Black beans
Black beans are jammed full of nutrients your loved one needs for a healthy heart. They contain folate, magnesium, and antioxidants, which can help lower blood pressure. They also have tons of fiber, aiding in managing both blood sugar levels and cholesterol. Black beans can easily be added to most soups or chilis to receive their heart-healthy benefits.
Fresh Herbs
While the herbs are not necessarily full of heart-healthy nutrients, what they do is reduce the need for salt and fat to flavor your loved one’s food, and reducing both salt and fat can help make a heart healthier. Do a little research online to find out which herbs pair best with which proteins and use them the next time you’re preparing a meal for your loved one instead of salt.
Olive oil
While keeping fats to a minimum is important, a little bit of olive oil goes a long way, and it has some heart-healthy benefits as well. Olive oil has heart-healthy antioxidants that can protect the blood vessels. When you use olive oil to replace saturated fat (like butter), it may lower cholesterol levels as well.
These are just a few heart-healthy food choices you and home care providers can make for American Heart Month.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Jefferson PA please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services. Call (814) 251-9044
Quality Health Services is a trusted non-medical senior home care provider in Punxsutawney, Bellefonte, Jefferson, Brockway, Brookville, Clearfield, St Marys, Emporium, Philipsburg, and Dubois PA area.
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