Well, we're over halfway through Heart Health Month and I am keeping up my promise to eat healthier this month, including eating vegetarian several days a week (it's much easier than it sounds!). Of course, when it comes to my body, I tend to want it all: I want to both lose weight AND maintain a healthy heart. That's why I was so excited to find out what the top heart-healthy foods are, thanks to WebMD, and I'm here to let you know about the 9 Latin foods that are heart-healthy and will help you drop the pounds. Now let's indulge a little!
Read more ¿Qué más? Heart attack prevention: 8 ways you can stay healthy
Black beans
Black beans are full of B-complex citamins, niacin, folate, magnesium, omega-3 gatty acids, calcium and, of course, plenty of fiber! They will keep your heart healthy AND keep you full longer, which is what you want when you're dropping the pounds.
Red wine
Red wine is great because it's full of catechins and flavonoids. In order to reap the benefits, feel free to indulge in a serving of red wine (my favorite hails from Chile!) a day, which has been proven to improve the "good" HDL cholesterol. But don't have more than the single serving, since the calories can add up!
Brown rice
I know it might be difficult, but you simply MUST switch from white rice to brown rice, since it's a whole grain that contains B-xompled vitamins, fiber, niacin and magnesium. It makes a great heart-healthy addition to any meal, plus it will fill your tummy and make you less likely to opt for a snack soon after!
Sweet potato
If you're looking for a non-rice side for your dish, then opt for boniatos, which contain beta-carotine and vitamins A, C and E, as well as fiber. My favorite way to have it is actually to microwave it and top with pineapple chunks. YUM!
Red bell peppers
Bell peppers are a staple in my house, and the red ones especially. That's actually great news since they contain beta-carotene, B-complex vitamins, folate, potassium, and fiber. They're great for your heart and adding them to salads, soups, sandwiches and beans is a great weight loss strategy, too!
Oranges
Citrus is a great snack and oranges are one of the best ones, thanks to beta-cryptoxanthin, beta- and alphacarotene, lutein, flavones, vitamin C (duh!), potassium, folate and fiber. Try eating a fresh one in the morning or having some nutrient-packed OJ with breakfast.
Tomatoes
Personally, I am a HUGE fan of adding tomatoes to pretty much everything–including quite a few to my guacamole! It's nice to know that I'm also helping myself to beta- and alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein, vitamin C, potassium, folate and fiber. Delicious, nutritious and good for your waistline!
Papaya
This fruit is absolutely FULL of goodness: beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, vitamins C and E, folate, calcium, magnesium and potassium. How can you ever resist?! The best way to have it is, obviously, in a papaya batido.
Dark chocolate
Well, I saved the best for last! Indulging in a small piece of dark chocolate (one with 70% or more cacao) is a great idea thanks tothe reservatrol and cocoa phenols, all of which work to help lower blood pressure. Plus, it's a great diet-friendly treat for your sweet tooth!
