April 2013 tips
1. Eat bananas
The most popular fruit in the world should be a daily treat in your diet. Bananas are packed with two notable nutrients: fiber and potassium. Potassium is the super-mineral known to help you keep blood pressure at a healthy level.
2. Cut the salt
Our food supply is tainted. Salt is a major contributor to high blood pressure—the silent killer. 9/10 Americans eat too much salt for good health—you should know that 80 percent of the sodium in our food comes from processed and restaurant foods. Rx: aim for eating less processed food and more fresh and whole foods. (Most Americans should be eating no more than 1500 mg of sodium per day for heart health—the amount in about ¾ of a teaspoon of salt.)
3. Try spring peas
Peas are a legume—the super-nutritious fiber-packed fruit (yes…it’s a fruit) that Americans simply do not eat enough of. Peas (and other legumes) are excellent sources of protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals, and are very cheap!
4. Try roasted red beets
Red beets are incredibly nutritious and low in calories (just 35 for a half cup serving). Packed with fiber, folate, manganese, calcium and other nutrients, beets also contain a powerful antioxidant pigment called betalain (that give red beets their color). Try roasting them in a hot oven with a touch of extra virgin olive oil for flavoring.