February is American Heart Month.
Try these 5 red foods to boost your heart health.
1) Tomatoes….loaded with lycopene a powerful antioxidant;linked to reducing heart disease. Tomatoes are also a great source of potassium and vitamin C.
2) Strawberries….this heart shaped fruit protects your heart by increasing HDL (your good cholesterol), lowering your blood pressure, and guarding against cancer. Strawberries are also packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. For a cost savings try frozen strawberries during these cold winter months.
3) Red bell peppers…a good source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and lycopene – all helping to reduce heart disease risk.
4)Tart cherries / tart cherry juice….the bright red color comes from anthocyanins – a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation, giving both heart benefit and muscle / joint benefit.
5) Red grapes…high in resveratrol, a flavonoid that gives red grapes their color. This flavonoid helps reduce heart disease.