The Physical Therapy Doctor - October 2023

Strengthen Your Heart With These Foods

Greens Not every green is a health-boosting superfood, but dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and bok choy all contain lutein and carotenoids, antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart disease. These greens help compact the bile acids in your body and remove cholesterol from your system. Berries

Your cholesterol levels directly impact your heart health, and with heart disease being the leading cause of death in the U.S., we should all be working toward improving our cholesterol levels. Your LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is the “bad” type that can lead to a higher risk of heart disease. The best way to control our LDL cholesterol is through the foods we eat. If you want to keep your cholesterol levels in check and your heart healthy, add more of these foods to your diet. Oatmeal Oats contain a significant amount of

Delicious and versatile, berries are filled with fiber to help lower cholesterol. Berries also

contain numerous antioxidants and anti- inflammatory compounds that can benefit your body in countless ways. All fruit is excellent for your health, but berries pack the punch needed to support healthy cholesterol levels. Legumes

soluble fiber, which decreases cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream. Start the day right with warm oatmeal, overnight oats, or Cheerios, which are surprisingly made with oats, not wheat! Add fruit on top to boost your fiber intake even more. Nuts Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and peanuts are rich in monounsaturated and other heart-healthy fats, but minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium are also crammed in these crunchy snacks. Nuts have shown

If you’re seeing a common trait here, you realize that soluble fiber is the key to making these foods beneficial for your health! Legumes, which include beans, peas, and lentils, all contain a significant amount of soluble fiber, protein, and minerals. While these foods are incredible for your body, those seeking to lower their cholesterol levels should speak with their doctor first to discover the best course of action for protecting their heart.

significant heart-healthy benefits in numerous studies, including one which proved that just 2 ounces of nuts per day can decrease your LDL cholesterol.

TAKE A BREAK!

ONE-BOWL PUMPKIN MUFFINS Inspired by NoraCooks.com

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

• 15 oz can pumpkin purée • 1/3 cup melted butter (or vegetable oil) • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant- based milk • 1 1/4 cups brown sugar • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tbsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Prepare muffin pan by greasing and placing paper liners. 2. In a large mixing bowl, add pumpkin, melted butter (or oil), milk, and brown sugar, then whisk until well combined and smooth. With a sifter, sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices over the wet mixture. 3. Using a large wooden spoon, mix until just combined (do not over-mix). 4. Fill the muffin cups and bake for 22– 25 minutes. Let cool for 30 minutes and enjoy!

• 2 tsp cinnamon • 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

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