Functional foods for optimal health
Want to give your diet a heart healthy boost? Add some of these foods to your diet. They’re called "functional foods" because they’re rich in antioxidants and nutrients that can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
| Aim to include more of these heart healthy foods in your diet. |
Vegetables and fruit
Colourful vegetables and fruit provide antioxidants that can help reduce your risk of heart disease. Vegetables and fruit also contain fibre.
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Omega-3 fats
Omega-3 fats, especially those found in fish, are important for a healthy heart. Choose a variety of foods with omega-3 fats, such as fish (like salmon, mackerel and sardines), flaxseeds, canola oil and non-hydrogenated margarine.
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Soluble fibre
Choose more foods with soluble fibre such as vegetables, fruit, lentils, beans, barley, flaxseeds and whole grain oats or oatmeal. Soluble fibre can help lower cholesterol levels.
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SoyInclude a "soy night" in your weekly meal rotation. Soy contains antioxidants and protein and may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Try veggie burgers and veggie dogs, or use crumbled tofu in your favourite chili, lasagne or sloppy joe recipe. |
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| Go to www.ific.org/nutrition/functional/index.cfm for a full list of functional foods.
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