How to Keep Your Heart Healthy!

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s the perfect time to show your heart some extra love—literally!

When it comes to health and fitness, we often focus on what NOT to eat. But today, let’s flip the script and talk about what you SHOULD eat to help lower your LDL (aka “bad”) cholesterol.

Here’s why it matters:
Too much LDL cholesterol can build up in your blood vessels, leading to serious health risks like heart disease and stroke.

The good news? The right foods can help lower LDL in different ways:

• Soluble fiber binds to cholesterol in your digestive system, sweeping it out before it enters your circulation.
• Plant compounds (sterols & stanols) block cholesterol absorption.
• Polyunsaturated fats directly lower LDL.
• And some foods do a mix of all three!

10 Foods to Help Lower LDL:

1. Whole grains, especially oats & barley
2. Beans like lentils, black-eyed peas, black & kidney beans
3. Non-starchy veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, etc.)
4. Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale)
5. Nuts, especially walnuts and almonds
6. Berries and other fruits
7. Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, tuna)
8. Olive oil
9. Avocados
10. Tofu and edamame

Start adding these heart-healthy foods to your meals by swapping out processed options. Your heart will thank you!