Five heart-smart snacks that knock out cholesterol

Reducing cholesterol intake is a good idea for everyone, regardless of age or health.  But where do you start?  One easy place place to start, is something we all do … snack!

Choosing delicious, unprocessed whole foods that are rich in fiber, phytonutrients, and complex carbohydrates is not only heart-smart, it’s planet-smart.

Here are five tasty snacks that are nutrient-dense and will stave off hunger with zero cholesterol and fewer calories and fat.

 

Sunflower seeds

Those with a busy schedule should keep a bag of sunflower seeds handy to nosh on throughout the day. 

Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E, an important ally in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps prevent blocked arteries, heart attack or stroke.

 

Nuts

Almonds, peanuts, walnuts … you name the nut, it will most likely be rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals as well as plant sterols, shown to stop or slow the absorption of cholesterol.¹ ²

Nuts contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, credited with reducing the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).³

Looking for more vitamin E?  Try almonds. Loading up in antioxidants?  Go with walnuts.

Nuts are also high in calories, so it’s recommended that you limit yourself to one or two handfuls of raw or dry roasted nuts without added salt a day. Try this simple Tamari Almond recipe.

 

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