Heart-Healthy Favorites That Treat Your Taste Buds

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(NAPSA)—Whether you're barbecuing with the family or hosting a get-together with neighbors on a % cup sliced water oe chestnuts, cut into thin strips 1 mediumcarrot, shredded warm, sunny day, you can treat 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 3 cups shredded Napa cabbage Salt and ground black them to a meal that appeals to their taste buds as well as their hearts. Some foods, such as Cali- fornia avocados and certain types of fish, feature heart-healthy fats and are flavorful options that can leave your guests feeling satisfied, while still following a healthy diet. Did You Know? California avocados are one of the few fruits that provide “good” fats. Seventy-five percent of the fat in a California avocado is unsaturated fat (3.5 grams per 1 ounce serving). Replacing some saturated fat with unsaturated fat lowers both total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, the so called “bad” cholesterol. As a bonus, naturally sodium and cholesterol free, one-fifth of a medium California avocado (1 ounce) contributes nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutri- ents that can contribute to the nutrient quality of your diet. Phytonutrients are thought to help prevent many chronic diseases. And the avocado’s versatile flavor profile makes it a great, refreshing addition to a number of favorite meals. Omega-3s Provide Added Benefits According to the American Heart Association, certain types of fatty fish, including salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines and albacore tuna, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to provide heart health benefits, including a decreased risk for abnormal heartbeats, a de- crease in triglyceride levels, a slowing of the plaque buildup and slightly lower blood pressure. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. To help reduce risk of pepper,to taste Salmon and California avocados are a delicious nutritional power couple. developing cardiovascular disease, the American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fish (particularly fatty fish) two times a week. A serving is 3.5 ounces of cooked fish, or about % cup of flakedfish. The PowerPair Meets Your Plate California avocados and hearthealthy fatty fish can be quite the power couple. You may like to try this simple, yet refreshing, Glazed Salmon with California Avocado Slaw recipe that can wow your guests and their hearts. For other delicious recipe ideas that feature fresh California avocados, visit the California Avocado Commission website at www.Cali forniaAvocado.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/California Avocados. Glazed Salmonwith California Avocado Slaw Serves: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Ingredients: 3 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 clove garlic, peeled 1 tsp. peeled andfinely choppedfresh ginger 2% Tbsp. honey 1 tsp. sesameoil ’% cup seasonedrice vinegar % cup olive oil 4 (5-oz.) salmonfilets 1 ripe Fresh California Avocado, peeled, seeded and cut into 4-inch cubes Instructions: 1. Place soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, sesameoil, vinegar and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. 2. Place salmon filets in a shallow dish and pourhalf the soy sauce mixture over top; turning filets to coat on all sides. Set aside. 3. Place water chestnuts, carrot, bell pepper and cabbage in a medium bowl and toss with remaining soy sauce mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Add avocado and toss to combine. Set aside. 4, Heat small amount of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Place salmon skin-side up and cook until nicely browned, about 6 minutes. Turn salmon over and cook until it is cooked through, about 6 minutes more. 5. To serve: Plate salmon and spoon slaw overeachfilet. Nutrition Information Per Serving: Calories 390; Total Fat 17 g (Sat 2.5 g, Trans 0 g, Poly 5 g, Mono 8 g); Cholesterol 80 mg; Sodium 380 mg; Total Carbohydrates 26 g; Dietary Fiber 6 g; Protein 32 g Large avocados are recommended for this recipe. A large avocado averages about 8 ounces. If using smaller or larger size avocados adjust the quantity accordingly.