Key Ingredients For A Healthier Heart (NAPSA)—Here’s heartening news: Although cardiovascular diseases remain the nation’s No. 1 killer, according to the American Heart Association, you can help reduce yourrisk. “People tend to focus on what they should cut out of their diets; but it’s also what you add in that can makea difference,” said registered dietitian Tammi Hancock. Here are key heart-healthy nutrients to lookfor: Omega-3 fatty acids can decrease the plaque on artery walls while raising healthy HDL cholesterollevels. Phytosterols, plant sterols, can lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL. Vitamin D: Not only does vitamin D help keep bones strong, but it also plays a role in heart health. Balancedfats: All fats are not created equal. For example, Smart Balance spread has been shown to balance cholesterol ratios. The patented blend of all-natural vegetable oils contains no hydrogenated or interesterified fats or palm kerneloil. Here’s a great way to use it to start the day: Oatmeal with Spiced Apples Serves 4 3% cups water \Y% teaspoonsalt 1% cups quick-cooking oats Y% cup Smart Balance HeartRight Buttery Spread, softened 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar or honey 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Y% teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract \Y% teaspoonsalt X eee ~_ : Don’t eat your heart out over health concerns—eat right to protect your heart instead. 2 cups (4-inch-thick) sliced Granny Smith apple, peeled if desired Bring cups waterandsalt toa full boil in a large saucepan over high heat. Stir in oats. Reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, 6 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. While oatmeal cooks, combine all the spread ingredients in a small bowl andstir until well blended. Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add % cup of the spice spread; refrigerate remaining spread for later use. When bubbly, add the apple slices and cook 3 minutes or until tender, stirring gently. Remove from heat and let stand 1 minute to absorb flavors. Divide oatmeal equally among four bowls. Spoon equal amounts of the apple mixture over each serving. Per Serving: 234 calories, 5g protein, 39g carbohydrate, 6.5g total fat, 1.7g saturated fat, 2g monounsaturated fat, 2.4g polyunsaturated fat, Og trans fat, 183mg omega-3 fatty acids, 810mg omega6 fatty acids, Omg cholesterol, 271mg sodium, 5g fiber wen DiS eee eee eee eee eee Note to Editors: While this article is particularly apt during February, American Heart Month, it can be useful to your readers at any time.
