February is American Heart Month so show your heart some love by eating enough fiber!
What is Fiber?
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plant foods that cannot be digested or broken down by the human body. We all know that fiber can help prevent constipation but how does fiber contribute to a healthy heart?
- Fiber keeps you fuller for longer, contributing to a healthy weight.
- Fiber helps to regulate blood sugar.
- Fiber lowers cholesterol.
…all things that contribute to a healthy heart.
What Foods are High in Fiber?
- Whole grains such as oatmeal, quinoa, barley, and brown rice.
- Beans and legumes such as lentils, split peas, pinto beans, black beans, and chickpeas.
- Nuts and seeds such as almonds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and walnuts.
- Vegetables such as peas, brussels sprouts, broccoli, potatoes (with skin) and carrots.
- Fruits such as blueberries, pears, apples (with skin), oranges and bananas, or dried varieties like apricots, prunes, and figs.
#AmericanHeartMonth #eatsmartidaho