5 Simple Recipes for Better Heart Health

Heart disease is currently the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and it’s not always easy to keep your heart healthy in our fast-food laden world. But the good news? Simple diet changes can dramatically improve heart health. Read on for 5 simple recipes to show your heart some love.

While exercising, losing weight, and managing stress can improve heart health, eating a healthy diet is the best thing you can do for your heart.The following 5 recipes are easy, delicious, and most importantly, heart-health boosting!

Overnight Oats

Oats provide cholesterol-lowering fiber, heart disease-fighting antioxidants, and high levels of vitamins and minerals such as manganese and zinc, while chia seeds and fruit boost your intake of omega 3s and antioxidants.Ingredients:½ cup rolled oats½ cup unsweetened almond milk1 tsp chia seeds (optional)2 tsp sweetener, such as maple syrup1 cup chopped fresh fruit, such as peaches or strawberriesMix all ingredients except for fruit in a bowl and place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, add chopped fruit, mix, and dig in!

Mexican Sweet Potato

Beans have been shown to protect against inflammation, heart disease, and weight gain, while the high potassium content in sweet potatoes can help lower blood pressure.Ingredients:1 sweet potato½ cup black beans¼ tsp each cumin, chili powder, garlic powder2 Tbsp salsaRoast sweet potato in oven for 45-60 minutes, until flesh is soft. Mash black beans with spices. Cut open sweet potato & top with mashed beans & salsa.

Cashew Caesar Salad

Traditional caesar salad dressings are high in calories and fats (many of them saturated) but low in nutrition. Try this cashew-based caesar dressing instead, as nuts have been shown to lower the risk for cardiovascular disease.Ingredients:½ cup cashews½ cup water2 cloves garlicJuice of 2 small lemons1 Tbsp Dijon mustardSalt/pepper to tasteBlend ingredients in a high-speed blender and mix with your favorite greens and other veggies. (Makes 4 servings)

Chocolate Banana “Ice Cream”

Bananas are high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, while cocoa powder is high in antioxidants that help relax blood vessels. If you haven’t discovered the magic of frozen bananas yet, you’re in for a treat.Ingredients:2 frozen bananas1.5 Tbsp cocoa powderTo freeze bananas, simply chop into chunks & place in a plastic bag in the freezer. Add ingredients to a high-powered blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. Presto, you’ve got delicious, healthy chocolate ice cream.

Avocado, Hummus & Veggie Sandwich

Avocados contain heart-healthy fats, which can help lower cholesterol, as well as significant doses of almost 20 additional vitamins & minerals. This sandwich also contains whole grains & tons of veggies, all of which lower the risk of heart disease.Ingredients:2 slices whole grain bread2 Tbsp hummus½ avocadoLettuceTomato slicesSpread hummus on the bread. Layer the avocado, lettuce, and tomato as desired to make your sandwich.