Snack Idea

Try some nuts! Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts, Hazelnuts... Whichever you like best!

Nuts can be very good for you when it comes to heart health, here's why:

Nuts help lower your LDL cholesterol level.

Nuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which for some reason seem to help keep your heart from developing any dangerous rhythms that can lead to heart attacks.

Nuts contain L-arginine which is a substance that is thought to help the health of your artery walls making them more flexible and less likely to have clotting occur.

All nuts contain fiber, which can help you lower your cholesterol, feel full so you don't eat quite as much, and it is believed that fiber can help prevent diabetes.

Nuts also contain vitamin E. It is not known for certain but some researchers think that vitamin E can help stop the development of plaques within your arteries that can restrict blood flow.

Plant sterols are also found some nuts. These sterols help lower your cholesterol and are often added to other food items but they are naturally in nuts.

Nuts are very fatty and while it is healthy fat compared to most snacks you don't want to over due it. Try working nuts into your diet with just maybe a handful a day and use it to replace a less healthy snack you might be considering. Also keep in mind that you can cancel out the heart healthy benefits of the nuts if you cover them in things like salt, sugar, or chocolate.