Heart Healthy Recipes & More!

Feb 05, 2021

Prune Sauce Chocolate Cake

Special heart-healthy treat for Valentine's Day. This delicious, nutrient-rich chocolate cake, topped with prune sauce, is high in potassium which may help to regulate blood pressure and heart rhythms.

Continue reading "Prune Sauce Chocolate Cake"

Jan 07, 2021

Cod Fish Chowder

Healthy, heartwarming soup on a chilly day - that is what this satisfying cod fish chowder soup offers. Plus supplying a great source of heart-healthy omega-3s.

Continue reading "Cod Fish Chowder"

Dec 09, 2020

Pomegranate Relish

Colorful, festive pomegranate relish will look elegant on your holiday table and is heart-healthy containing more antioxidants than red wine and green tea.

Continue reading "Pomegranate Relish"

Nov 07, 2020

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

Heart-healthy sautéed Brussels sprouts are rich in antioxidants helping to decrease inflammation. Inflammation has been linked to many diseases including heart disease.

Continue reading "Sautéed Brussels Sprouts"

Oct 03, 2020

Apple-Cinnamon Smoothie

Delicious, apple-cinnamon smoothie may help manage weight, which may help take stress off the heart. The antioxidant-rich apples have also been shown to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Continue reading "Apple-Cinnamon Smoothie"

Sep 20, 2020

Stuffed Delicata Squash

Stuffed Delicata Squash with walnuts and loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, helps prevent dangerous heart rhythms that can lead to heart attacks.

Continue reading "Stuffed Delicata Squash"

Aug 26, 2020

Tomato Basil Pasta

Tomato basil pasta provides heart health benefits with fat-free, cholesterol-free, and low-sodium cherry tomatoes; along with the ingredient of basil promoting cardiovascular health with powerful antioxidants.

Continue reading "Tomato Basil Pasta"

Jul 20, 2020

Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Enjoy heart-healthy benefits of the Mediterranean diet with basil, peppers, spinach, onions and olives in this tasty, Mediterranean chicken salad.

Continue reading "Mediterranean Chicken Salad"

Jun 25, 2020

Heart-Healthy Gardening

Grow heart-healthy fruit, vegetables, and herbs all year round with an innovative indoor garden that cares for itself. This system automatically calibrates the watering, light, and nutrients so you can grow organic, pesticide-free food and flowers. Includes a complimentary set of three basil plant pods. More than 50+ plant varieties to choose from or just use your own seeds.

This indoor garden system uses Smart Soil which does all the work. Inspired by NASA technology, Smart Soil creates the perfect environment plants need to thrive. It releases nutrients in sync with the plant's life cycle, keeps soil pH balanced, and employs tiny oxygen pockets to guarantee plants get ample breathing room and nutrients even when the soil is wet.

Continue reading "Heart-Healthy Gardening"

Jun 15, 2020

Salmon Cakes

Mini Salmon Cakes that are heart-healthy with the nutritious content of omega-3 fatty acids. The high amount of essential omega-3 fatty acids in salmon makes salmon one of the top heart-healthy foods.

Continue reading "Salmon Cakes"

May 05, 2020

Sweet and Sour Salmon

The abundance of Omega-3s in this sweet and sour salmon dish are considered heart-healthy. The salmon, which contains the essential Omega-3 fatty acids, are an important part of a healthy, heart diet plan.

Continue reading "Sweet and Sour Salmon"

Apr 09, 2020

Lemon Lavender Asparagus

The culinary lavender buds, in our Lemon Lavender Asparagus side dish, may provide heart health benefits by helping to stabilize heart rates and regulate blood pressure.

Continue reading "Lemon Lavender Asparagus "

Mar 10, 2020

Guacamole

Fresh, ripe avocados are the main ingredient that consist of this heart-healthy guacamole. Avocados are rich in essential, healthy fats that help benefit the heart.

Continue reading "Guacamole"

Feb 12, 2020

Chocolate Covered Raspberries

Chocolate covered raspberries made with heart-healthy dark chocolate, containing 90% or more of cocoa, and antioxidant-rich raspberries are a delicious treat.

Continue reading "Chocolate Covered Raspberries"

Feb 07, 2020

Heart Healthy Foods

Welcome to heart healthy foods where we hope you will discover the powerful healing of natural foods - along with how these nutritious foods benefit your heart.

Continue reading "Heart Healthy Foods"

Jan 20, 2020

Walnut Pea Salad

This walnut pea salad is heart healthy due to the walnuts and peas helping to lessen bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. Walnuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Continue reading "Walnut Pea Salad"

Jan 14, 2020

Hearty Lentil Soup

Delicious, hearty lentil soup helps lower cholesterol with the high fiber lentils. This heart-healthy soup also helps protect the heart with high levels of folic acid and magnesium.

Continue reading "Hearty Lentil Soup"

Dec 05, 2019

Creamy Spinach Dip

Flavorful, heart-healthy garlic and greens in this creamy spinach dip; along with ricotta, are a low-fat, low-salt alternative to traditional cheese spreads.

Continue reading "Creamy Spinach Dip"

Oct 10, 2019

Creamy Corn Chowder

Creamy Corn Chowder, abundant source of heart-healthy magnesium and potassium, both essential minerals needed to maintain normal heart rate and blood pressure.

Continue reading "Creamy Corn Chowder"

Sep 25, 2019

Heart Healthy Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a popular spice used year round, though especially during the holiday season. It is also known for its welcoming aroma and delicious taste. Cinnamon is very high in antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which may help the heart stay healthy (*1,*2). The antioxidants in cinnamon also have anti-inflammatory properties which studies have shown may help reduce many diseases including heart disease (*3,*4). This powerful spice has been shown to lower blood pressure (*5) and cholesterol (*6) as well. It is important, though, to choose the healthiest type of cinnamon, which is Ceylon or "true" cinnamon, preferably not Cassia. The Cassia cinnamon contains larger amounts of coumarin believed to be harmful to the liver in large doses (*7). Also, the healthier Ceylon cinnamon, which is much lower in coumarin (*8), is sweeter and lighter in taste. A recent study showed that a recommended cinnamon dose of just 120 mg per day can support healthy glucose levels (*9). This may in turn provide enough of the positive heart health benefits mentioned above including reduced inflammation, regulated cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.

*1-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/*2-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10641152 *3-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25629927*4 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22536283 *5 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/*6 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14633804*7 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20024932*8 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23627682*9 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24019277

Continue reading "Heart Healthy Cinnamon"

Aug 23, 2019

Rosemary and Heart Health

This month we are continuing our study of herbs and heart health, featuring rosemary. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is considered to be one of the top herbs for supporting heart health. Studies have shown rosemary aids the heart by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. The rosemary leaves are a natural product with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties possibly helping the ventricular function of the heart in particular.

Recipes on this website featuring rosemary:

https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/LambShishKabobs.html

https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/StuffedDelicataSquash.html

https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/roastedvegetablericepilaf.html

For more information on rosemary studies, please visit the following links: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5426768/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5713380/

Continue reading "Rosemary and Heart Health"

Aug 02, 2019

Raspberry Popsicles

Naturally sweetened raspberry popsicles that are abundant in antioxidants. Raspberries are important in a heart-healthy diet by helping to reduce inflammation.

Continue reading "Raspberry Popsicles"

Jul 23, 2019

Garlic and Heart Health

The Mediterranean diet consists of many spices and herbs including the heart-healthy herb garlic. The summer months are peak season for harvesting garlic. Studies have shown that garlic may help reduce inflammation and also help strengthen the immune system and therefore helping the heart. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4417560/).

There are many foods that are enhancement by the flavor of garlic. The following are recipes we would like to share that include the healthy ingredient of the garlic herb.

Appetizers: https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/tomatoeggplantappetizer.html

Soups:https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/heartylentilsoup.html

Salads:https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/dillradishsalad.html

Pastas: https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/tomatobasilpasta.html https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/shrimppasta.html

Bean & Grain Recipes: https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/VegetarianChili.html https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/Green-Beans-with-Pine-Nuts.htmlhttps://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/MungBeans.html https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/almondorangequinoa.html

Seafood: https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/bakedsalmon.html https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/bakedtrout.html https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/grilledkingcrablegs.html

Meat:https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/lowfatapricotlamb.html

Vegetables:https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/spicycorn.html

Pizza Recipes:https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/pizza.html

Continue reading "Garlic and Heart Health"

Jul 05, 2019

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is one of the heart-healthiest ways to eat with loads of plant-based anti-inflammatory foods and healthy fats such as olive oil.

Continue reading "Mediterranean Diet"

Jun 24, 2019

Basil and Heart Health

As mentioned in last month's blog (May 25, 2019), the Mediterranean diet consists of many heart-healthy herbs. The in-season basil herb (Ocimum basilicum), also known as Tulsi, is included as one of these. This aromatic, broad-leafed herb is part of the mint family and has many culinary uses including topping for pizzas, flavoring for pastas and creating tasty, pesto sauces.

The basil herb has been shown to help reduce inflammation (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6532192/), and may help protect the heart tissues against chemical stress and prolonged physical exertion. The heart-healthy basil herb has also been found to help stabilize blood pressure to normal levels (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/).

Basil is a flavorful garnish and added nutrient to appetizers, soups and many more dishes. The following links are recipes on this website that include the basil herb or maybe added to the recipe as an attractive, edible garnish:

https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/tomatobasilpasta.html

https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/salmoncakes.html

https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/tomatoleeksoup.html

https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/bakedsalmon.html

https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/pizza.html

Continue reading "Basil and Heart Health"

May 25, 2019

Dill Herb and Heart Health

The Mediterranean diet has been recognized as a heart healthy diet. So we would like to share the benefits of some seasonal herbs and spices in the next couple of months that are frequently included in this diet.

The dill herb (anethum graveolens) is one of these special foods. Its delicate, light and airy texture has an aesthetic appeal as a garnish, along with many other culinary uses. This includes flavoring for appetizers, soups, salads and vegetable dishes.

The following are some recipes on our website that include the dill herb:

https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/tomatoeggplantappetizer.html

https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/dillcodappetizer.html

https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/DillCucumberSoup.html

https://www.hearthealthyrecipes.com/dillradishsalad.html

This herb also seems to have some heart health benefits including the potential to lower unhealthy blood cholesterol. The following study shows support that the dill herb may have blood cholesterol lowering characteristics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5215634/

Continue reading "Dill Herb and Heart Health"

Apr 25, 2019

New Website Address Update

We would like to update you all on our upcoming website address change, which is planned for May 1, 2019.

Our new website address will be:

www.hearthealthyrecipes.com

As always, thank you for following and liking our new website.

Continue reading "New Website Address Update"

Apr 19, 2019

Heart Healthy Feasts

Celebrate get-togethers with heart healthy menu ideas including our newly added recipe "Low-Fat Apricot Lamb" featured in our Meat & Poultry section. Also, find more recipes in our free, monthly newsletter. Our most recent newsletter featured a sweet-and-sour salmon, rosemary asparagus, and a pomegranate gelatin dessert. To sign-up for our free, monthly Heart Healthy Recipes' Newsletter, please visit: https://www.heart-healthy-recipes.net/Heart-Healthy-RecipesNewsletter.html

Continue reading "Heart Healthy Feasts"

Mar 22, 2019

Keto Diet and the Heart

The Ketogenic or Keto Diet is gaining popularity, but is it safe for the heart? We have searched some well-known resources on-line and would like to share the following articles, including one from the Harvard Medical School. And as always with any diet and lifestyle change, it is highly recommended to seek the help of a trusted medical/healthcare professional whenever possible before making any dietary changes.

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/keto-diet-is-gaining-popularity-but-is-it-safe-121914#1

https://www.everydayhealth.com/ketogenic-diet/can-keto-help-prevent-manage-heart-disease/

Continue reading "Keto Diet and the Heart"

Feb 15, 2019

February is Heart Health Month

February is American Heart Health Month and to celebrate Heart Healthy Recipes would like to make you aware of USANA's FREE CoQ10 product called CoQuinone 30. CoQ10 is essential for every human cell in the body including the heart. Starting today, February 15th, and running through February 22nd, USANA is promoting a special pack called "Heart Smart Bundle" featuring a FREE bottle of CoQuinone 30. The "Heart Smart Bundle" contains the following: USANA CellSentials™ - A baseline of well-rounded core minerals and vitamins. Proflavanol C100 - Vitamin C plus Grape Seed Extract helping provide immune support, antioxidant protection, and helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels. BiOmega™ - Containing two important Omega-3 fatty acids of EPA and DHA. Plus a FREE bottle of CoQuinone 30 - Aiding each cell and providing crucial support to vital organs like the brain, lungs, and heart.

Continue reading "February is Heart Health Month"

Jan 23, 2019

Vitamin D and Heart Health

The cold, winter months present the issue of less sun and therefore less vitamin D, which more and more studies are showing critical for heart health. Vitamin D helps support the heart in many ways, including the potential to lower the risk of heart disease. Also, according to recent studies there seems to be a link between lower blood pressure and this valuable nutrient. For more information, please visit our "Healing Supplements" page.

Continue reading "Vitamin D and Heart Health"

Dec 22, 2018

Heart Healthy Newsletter

Our latest monthly newsletter, just published yesterday, features a heart healthy brownie recipe containing superfood ingredients. Also in this issue we featured a stuffed artichoke appetizer and a citrus date salad with pistachios. To access previous issues of our newsletter:

Continue reading "Heart Healthy Newsletter"

Nov 23, 2018

Heart Healthy Oils

Heart healthy oils found in Omega-3s benefit the heart in many ways including lowered blood pressure, stabilized heart rate, clot formation reduction, inflammation protection and prevention of arrhythmias.

Continue reading "Heart Healthy Oils"

Nov 21, 2018

Sweet Potato Chowder

Creamy low-fat, anti-oxidant rich sweet potato chowder flavored with aromatic curry spice is ready in 30 minutes. This delicious,low calorie soup contains anti-inflammatory properties from the colorful sweet potatoes and curry spice. The sweet potato also supplies an abundant amount of potassium which helps regulate blood pressure and heart rhythms. In addition, the shallots in this recipe contain compounds shown to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure contributing to a healthy heart.

Continue reading "Sweet Potato Chowder"