Treat Your Ticker Right this American Heart Month

Today kicks off American Heart Month and in recognition, we’d like to discuss some of the simple steps you can take to keep your ticker healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 27 million American adults are living with heart disease, making it the leading cause of death in the United States. This sobering fact is magnified when you consider that heart disease is largely a “lifestyle disease” that can be prevented by making some basic lifestyle changes.

The top three changes include smoking cessation, increasing physical activity and eating a healthful diet. And, given the connection between whole grains and heart health, we’re going to focus on the dietary changes you can make to reduce your risk of heart disease.

One of the most popular heart-healthy diets is referred to as DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). The plan is rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean protein and grains; in numerous studies, it has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol. In fact, it was recently named by U.S. News & World Report’s panel of experts as the “Best Diet Overall” because of its nutritional completeness and safety. Grains are a cornerstone of the regimen, and while whole grain consumption is particularly encouraged, it does allow for a mix of whole and enriched grains.

So, what exactly is a “whole grain”… and more importantly, what should you look for at the store?

Whole grains are composed of the entire kernel and are an important source of antioxidants, fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E and magnesium. There are many choices to suit anyone’s tastes – popular options include whole wheat, barley, brown rice, quinoa, bulgur, millet, wheat berry, whole rye, and oatmeal. When shopping for whole grain foods, a good rule of thumb for identifying them is to look for “100% whole grain” on the label. Also, check the product’s ingredient list, making sure the whole grain ingredient is the first mentioned.

It’s never too late to make strides to a healthier heart. This American Heart Month, take the first step by improving your diet and including more whole grains. With so many delicious choices, the options are endless!