Celebrate Valentine's Day With These Heart-Healthy Recipes

Angela Sader | posted February 10, 2010 |

February is American Heart Month! According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are America’s number one killer. The goal of American Heart Month is to educate the public and raise awareness about heart disease and stroke.

At Golden Living, we want our patients, residents and their families to be educated about the healthy lifestyles that help maintain healthy hearts. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves good nutrition, managing your weight and exercising.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we want you to know that good nutrition doesn’t have to mean boring food.

In celebration of American Heart Month, Golden Living’s Chef Peter has put together a Valentine’s Day menu that you can enjoy while still getting important nutrients that are part of a heart-healthy diet.

• Fruits and vegetables are important for getting vitamins and fiber in your diet. B-complex vitamins can protect against blood clots and hardening of the arteries, while fiber can help lower cholesterol. Try the Spinach Salad with Avocado, Blueberries and Feta, the Mediterranean Sautéed Broccoli and Grape Tomatoes or the Roasted Garlic Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
• Fatty fish delivers omega-3 fatty acids, which helps protect against heart attacks. Try the Pan-Seared Salmon and Tuna Duet.
• Antioxidants can help protect your heart and blood vessels. Try the Green Tea Chocolate Truffles.

You can learn more about American Heart Month and heart health at www.americanheart.org.