A healthy heart is something we should all be concerned about
“Eating to keep the heart healthy is something we should be doing all our lives, not just when we reach middle age – and it shouldn’t be difficult to do," explains registered dietician, Therese Coleman.
"Studies show that people who follow a healthy diet and lifestyle throughout their lives tend to have healthier hearts.
"Oats, for example, are nutritious wholegrains that contain the soluble fibre beta-glucan which has been shown to help lower cholesterol.
"Simple changes like reducing our fat intake and replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fats like rapeseed oil, lowering our salt intake, and increasing fibre rich wholegrains such as oats, can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.”
HGCA have launced a new campaign for National Heart Month, this month, Wholegrain Goodness, All About Oats & Rapeseed Oil Benefits to inspire and motivate people to enjoy these healthy ingredients:
- Oats are one of the few foods with an approved health claim; they are a nutritious wholegrain that contain the soluble fibre beta-glucan which has been shown to help lower cholesterol. They are also a really versatile ingredient and not just for breakfast!
- Eating for a healthy heart means reducing the fat content of your diet – and in particular the saturated fat content. Rapeseed oil is lower in saturated fat than all other cooking oils and fats and just as versatile. It also provides the heart healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, omega 3, 6 and 9.
- Wholegrain foods are typically low in fat, as they are higher in fibre and digested more slowly, helping you feel fuller for longer. Studies have shown that people who eat more wholegrain foods tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and risk of being overweight.
- Making simple changes such as reducing our fat intake and replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fats like rapeseed oil, lowering our salt intake, and increasing fibre rich wholegrains such as oats, can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Eat these and start to feel the health benefits.
Tagged in Heart Diet Healthy eating Healthy Diet Plan Healthy Food