Heart disease is STILL the number one killer in the US and according to the American Heart Association’s 2013 Statistical Update, poor eating and exercise habits have now become the biggest challenge in the fight against heart disease. Becoming more “heart healthy” is likely a something you’ve heard before, whether it was in a magazine article you recently read or were told at a doctor’s office. Adopting a heart healthy lifestyle ranges from not smoking to exercising; from limiting processed foods to eating foods that are highly nutritious and packed with heart-protective nutrients
A heart-healthy life should be one filled with exercise and nutritious foods. These foods should be low in saturated fat, low in sodium and high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely beneficial to the hearts of healthy people, and those at high risk of-or who have-cardiovascular disease. Many believe that omega-3 fatty acids can only be found in fish, however, you should know about nutritionally packed, omega-3 rich flax seeds, chia seeds and hemp seeds.
Don’t let their small size fool you, these seeds are nutritional powerhouses:
- Flax Seeds: In addition to being high in omega-3s, flax seeds are also a good source of fiber to improve bowel function. They also have the benefits of lignans, phytoestrogens which have been clinically shown to protect against hormone related cancers, such as breast, ovarian, prostate and uterine.
- Chia Seeds: These small seeds are also an excellent source of omega-3s and even higher in fiber than flax seeds which can help promote feelings of fullness. They contain high levels of antioxidants and are a good source of calcium and magnesium for bone health.
- Hemp Seeds: Hemp is another powerhouse of omega-3s. Hemp seeds are a rich source of magnesium and phosphorous to support bone health. But, what makes these tasty, little seeds unique is that they contain 10 grams of protein per serving. Carrington Farms created their Flax/Hemp blend to optimize the omega-3s, lignans, bone-healthy nutrients, and protein all in one package. One serving provides a veritable fountain of essential nutrients!
DEBORAH ORLICK LEVY, M.S., R.D. and Carrington Co., LLC Health and Nutrition Consultant –
Deborah Levy has spent the last twenty years educating adults, children and medical professionals on nutrition, including a back to basics approach to healthy eating. She specializes in eating disorders, sports nutrition, food allergies, weight loss and healthy eating. Deborah has given nutrition presentations throughout the U.S. and has been successful in her own private practice since 2005. She maintains a healthy lifestyle through cycling and running and she cross-trains with yoga and Pilates. Deborah’s professional goal is to educate on healthy lifestyle changes with regards to food and eating because “diets” never work long term and her motto is “You only get one body in this life. Feed it well.”
