The 8 Best Foods for Your Heart 

The 8 Best Foods for Your Heart 

by | Feb 13, 2019 | All, Home, Nutrition

Surprise – most foods for heart health come from living things without hearts! That is, only one item on our list of the nine most heart-healthy foods is an animal and the rest are plant sources. Vegetarians, omnivores and paleo-lovers alike can all protect their hearts by including suitable foods from the following list more often.

BLUEBERRIES

These fruit gems contain high levels of polyphenols1,2 and have multiple cardiovascular benefits including anti-inflammation,1 lowering blood pressure,2 regulating cholesterol oxidation2 and accumulation,1 reducing oxidative stress,1,2 and improving vascular function.1 Consumption of blueberries is associated with cardiovascular disease prevention1 and cardiovascular risk factor reduction.2

NUTS

The omega-3 fatty acid present in nuts, alpha-linolenic acid, may reduce cardiovascular disease risk and atherosclerotic plaque formation by changing vascular inflammation and improving endothelial dysfunction3 (the health of the vascular wall). In a nearly 5 year-long study those assigned to a Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts (or extra-virgin olive oil) had a lower incidence of major cardiovascular events than those assigned to a reduced-fat diet.4

BEANS

Dietary fiber is known to help protect against cardiovascular disease.5 Legumes (including beans, peas, and lentils) are excellent sources of soluble fiber — the kind that can lower your “bad” LDL cholesterol.6 In a multi-country study, cardiometabolic risk (metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and obesity) was inversely associated with dietary fiber intake.5 Benefits are most pronounced with bean intake upwards of 4 times per week.

LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES 

Intake of leafy green vegetables may confer strong cardiovascular health benefits7. Researchers noted that, “Increasing vegetable intake, with a focus on consuming leafy green and cruciferous vegetables may provide the greatest cardiovascular health benefits.”7 A few studies showed that the greatest cardiovascular benefits were observed at intakes greater than 120 g/day [about 2 cups] for leafy green vegetables.7 Spinach, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, and chard are well-known leafy green veggies.

AVOCADOS 

These fatty fruits contain beneficial monounsaturated fats (as well as polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamin E, phytosterols, and squalene) which can lower your LDL cholesterol. 6,8  Avocados seem to help prevent chronic inflammation that makes atherosclerosis, the hardening of artery walls, worse.6  They also inhibit platelet aggregation and help prevent thrombus formation. 8

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES

Evidence supports the notion that cruciferous vegetables promote strong cardiovascular health7. Researchers noted that, “Increasing vegetable intake, with a focus on consuming leafy green and cruciferous vegetables may provide the greatest cardiovascular health benefits.”7 A few studies showed that the greatest cardiovascular benefits were observed at intakes of greater than 200 g/day [about a cup] for cruciferous vegetables.7 Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and bok choy are well known cruciferous veggies.

OLIVE OIL 

Extra-virgin olive oil contains minor antioxidant compounds9 and a lot of monounsaturated fat. Consuming extra virgin olive oil augments the anti-inflammatory effect of HDL, may repress atherosclerotic inflammatory genes, and helps retain anti-atherogenic activity with advancing age.9 In a nearly 5 year-long study those assigned to a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil (or nuts) had a lower incidence of major cardiovascular events than those assigned to a reduced-fat diet.4

SALMON

Fatty fish such as salmon are rich in long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA) which have anti-clotting6 and anti-inflammatory effects and help lower triglycerides,6 a fat implicated in heart disease. Though not all studies demonstrate cardio-protective effects of LCn-3PUFA, it may be that omega-3‘s role in cardiovascular disease prevention may be dampened by high intake of omega-6 fats. Within a Mediterranean diet (low saturated fat), high omega-3 fat consumption is cardio-protective.

REFERENCES:

  1. Preventionof Atherosclerosis by Berries: The Case of Blueberries. Wu X, et al. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2018 Sep 5;66(35):9172-9188. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b03201. Epub 2018 Aug 21.
  2. Research Backs Blueberries’ Heart Benefit. Tufts University Health & Nutrition Newsletter, November 2010, Accessed 12/17/2018.
  3. Acute effects of diets rich in almonds and walnuts on endothelial function. Bhardwaj R, et al. Indian Heart Journal 2018 Jul – Aug;70(4):497-501. doi: 10.1016/j.ihj.2018.01.030. Epub 2018 Feb 1.
  4. Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet Supplemented with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or Nuts. Estruch R et al. New England Journal of Medicine 2018 Jun 21;378(25):e34. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1800389. Epub 2018 Jun 13.
  5. The Association of Dietary Fiber Intake with Cardiometabolic Risk in Four Countries across the Epidemiologic Transition. Lie L, et al. Nutrients. 2018 May 16;10(5). pii: E628. doi: 10.3390/nu10050628.
  6. Top 11 Heart-Healthy Foods. Kerri-Ann Jennings. WebMD.com Accessed 12/17/2017
  7. Cardiovascular Health Benefits of Specific Vegetable Types: A Narrative Review Lauren C. Blekkenhorst et al. Nutrients. 2018 May; 10(5): 595. Published online 2018 May 11. doi:  [10.3390/nu10050595]
  8. Fruits for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases. Cai-Ning Zhao, et al. Nutrients. 2017 Jun; 9(6): 598. Published online 2017 Jun 13. doi: 10.3390/nu9060598
  9. Olive Oil and the Hallmarks of Aging. L Fernández del Río, et al. Molecules2016, 21 (2), 163.
  10. Contribution of Red Wine Consumption to Human Health Protection. Lukas Snopek, et al. 2018 Jul; 23(7): 1684. Published online 2018 Jul 11. doi:  [10.3390/molecules23071684]

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Grilled Fish Tacos from Puesto

Grilled Fish Tacos from Puesto

by | Feb 6, 2019 | All, Home, Nutrition, Recipes

“One of our goals with every new dish that we create is that we want to make an impact with big bright flavors but we also want our guests to leave Puesto feeling great.  We feel that cooking with great quality fresh produce and ingredients is the only way to achieve that.”

Executive Chef Katy Smith

Puesto

Grilled Fish Tacos with Melon Salsa from Puesto

Ingredients

For the Habanero Crema

  • 1 Habanero
  • 2 cloves of garlic, in their husks
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons of ripe avocado (about ¼ each)
  • 1 tablespoon Mexican Crema
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • ¼ cup olive oil

For the Melon Salsa

  • ½ cup Ripe cantaloupe, cut into ¼ inch cubes
  • 1/3 cup Roma tomatoes, cut into ¼ inch cubes, about 2
  • 1/4 cup diced Red Onion
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • Kosher salt
  • 1-2 Limes
  • 1 Serrano chile

To Plate

  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 lb fresh white fish cut into 8 pieces
  • Kosher salt
  • Shaved Red Cabbage
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • Lime wedges for serving

Method

Step 1:

For the Crema

  1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the garlic and habanero to the skillet.
  3. Rotate frequently until the habanero is golden brown on all sides and the garlic is brown and softened.
  4. The habanero should take about 5 minutes, the garlic should take about 12.
  5. Allow the garlic to cook until handleable and remove the skins and discard. Remove the stems of the habanero.
  6. Add the garlic, habanero, honey, crema, avocado, and lime juice to a blender jar along with a pinch of salt.
  7. Start the blender.
  8. Slowly stream in the oil through the top of the blender until combined.
  9. Taste and add more seasoning if necessary.
  10. Allow to cool completely.

Step 2:

For the Salsa

  1. Cut the tomatoes, cantaloupe, and red onion.
  2. Chop cilantro.
  3. Mince the serrano.
  4. In a mixing bowl combine the melon, red onion, tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of cilantro, the juice of 1 lime, a pinch of salt, and about 1/3 of the serrano.
  5. Taste the salsa.
  6. Add more salt if needed, and add more lime juice and serrano if desired.

Step 3:

For the Tacos

  1. Set a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 tsp water.
  2. Add tortillas to pan, about 4 at a time and cover to warm the tortillas through.
  3. Heat the remaining tortillas adding another ½ tsp of water.
  4. Transfer warmed tortillas to a cloth or foil and wrap to keep warm.
  5. Drop oil onto skillet. Place portioned fish in and sprinkle with salt.
  6. Cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Flip and cook 1 more minute depending on the thickness of the fish.
  7. While the fish cooks, place tortillas on plates. Place the fish on top tortilla.
  8. Garnish the fish with a slice of avocado and cabbage. Lightly spoon the habanera crema over the fish. Top with melon salsa over the habanero crema.
  9. Serve with lime wedges.

Yields 8 tacos. 

To view all locations and hours of operation, please visit http://eatpuesto.com/locations/.

Featured Recipes

Spices to Help Boost Immunity and Fight Inflammation

Spices to Help Boost Immunity and Fight Inflammation

by | Jan 9, 2019 | All, Home, Nutrition

Spices are known for imparting flavor, but they are also an integral part of maintaining health and preventing disease! The medicinal value of spices has been recognized for thousands of years by the ancient Indian medical system known as Ayurveda.1 Since many diseases are a result of weak immune systems or chronic inflammation, preventing these two states can make a big difference in your health.

The immune response is a built-in defense system, protecting the body from foreign invaders and infection by communicating between cells and their chemical signals. While our skin is the outer shield of our bodies, our gut mucosa serves as the internal barrier. What we eat (especially nutrients, alcohol, coffee, spices, and salted food) affects this barrier, which is the starting point of most immune responses. It’s true that a healthy immune system can ward off infection from cold-causing germs. However, our immune systems are also activated by the longer-term stimuli of physical stress, psychosocial stress or malnutrition.2

Chronic low-grade inflammation is a prolonged and abnormal immune response of altered cell communication that does not resolve itself, leading to ill health and a variety of life-threatening conditions.2,3 This “silent inflammation” is connected to several diseases of advanced age such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and certain cancers.4 Persistent inflammation is also involved in the development of obesity (and associated metabolic complications), inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis.2,3,5 Inflammation of the nervous system plays a key part in neurodegenerative diseases, mood disorders (including depression and anxiety), and pain.2

Beneficial Spices

Spices come from the roots, bark, and seeds of the plant, while herbs* are the leaves. Essentially, any part of the plant that is not a leaf and can be used for seasoning may be considered a spice. 

Spices and other medicinal plants have many bio-active compounds. Some have antibiotic properties (boosting our innate immunity against infections) and others are anti-inflammatory agents.5,6,7 Nutraceuticals present in several spices have shown potential to inhibit or reverse inflammatory responses and help prevent many chronic diseases related to sustained inflammation:

  • Anise (spice fennel) – Its chief compound, anethole, is anti-inflammatory and acts as an antiviral (against a certain herpes virus) and oral antibacterial agent.7
  • Black pepper – Its active constituent, piperine, fights inflammation by altering inflammatory pathways.5,6
  • Black seed or black cumin – Its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties come from the compound thymoquinone (TQ). Experimental evidence suggests extracts containing TQ can potentially regulate immune reactions implicated in various infectious and non-infectious conditions.
  • Cinnamon – This global spice has multiple inflammation-reducing compounds (benzyl cinnamide, cinnamic acid, and cinnamaldehyde) and modifies inflammatory pathways.5,6
  • Coriander – It’s the anti-inflammatory gallic acid in coriander which regulates signaling pathways related to inflammation.5,6
  • Cumin – Its compounds cuminaldehyde and oleorestin have anti-inflammatory action.5 Cumin is helpful for immunity.
  • Garlic – This aromatic bulb’s organosulphur compounds (namely allicin) have immunomodulatory bioactivity.6 While it may not kill vampires, garlic is a potent antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial7
  • Ginger – Its major compounds (6-gingerol, 10-gingerol and shogaol) exert important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.5,6,7,8 Some research has proved that gingerdiones and shogaols can act similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).9 Ginger is an effective agent against the inflammation response from immune cells.7
  • Turmeric – This yellow spice’s curcuminoids (namely curcumin) have anti-inflammatory properties.3,6,7,8 Curcumin is able to scavenge free radicals and other inflammatory mediators, thus regulating oxidative stress.3 Since curcumin is so potent, supplemental forms of it have been researched in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases arthritis, obesity, and diabetes mellitus.
  • Did you know? Curcumin gives turmeric its characteristic yellow color, a signature of many curries. Since it has poor bioavailability, consume turmeric with meals containing healthy plant fats to increase its absorption.

Make your own spicy blend without salt! The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends the combination below for Mexican-style dishes. Just store in a tightly covered jar.

  • ¼ Cup chili powder
  • 1 Tablespoon each of ground cumin and onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon each of oregano, garlic powder, and ground red pepper; and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.

Source: Eat Right: Eating Right With Less Salt (tip sheet). Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2017.

Many other spices are beneficial in alleviating inflammation including allspice, caraway extract, chili pepper, cloves, cocoa and fenugreek.5 *Herbs with anti-inflammatory activity include bay leaf, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme.5

Beneficial Diet

A diet rich in spices that decreases inflammation and oxidative stress can promote healthy immune balance. Around the world, the basic concepts for following an anti-inflammatory diet include adding a variety of spices, especially ginger and curry.4  So what about the rest of your diet? An overall anti-inflammatory, antioxidant eating plan augments immune function, fights inflammation and hampers disease development.2,10  An anti-inflammatory Mediterranean eating plan includes spices daily.

A Mediterranean diet pattern, in particular, has an anti-inflammatory effect.11 This type of diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, red wine, seafood as well as monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fats.8 These components provide a lot of fiber, magnesium, carotenoids, and flavonoids which help reduce inflammation.8

No matter your taste preference or diet plan, there are immune boosting and anti-inflammatory spices you can include regularly. Use them often and in greater amounts to get the most benefit!

References:

  1. Bioactive phytochemicals in Indian foods and their potential in health promotion and disease prevention. Rao BN. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2003; 12(1): 9-22.
  2. An Integrative Approach to Neuroinflammation in Psychiatric disorders and Neuropathic Pain. Lurie DI. Journal of Experimental Neuroscience 2018 Aug 13; 12: 1-11. doi: 10.1177/1179069518793639. eCollection 2018.
  3. Curcumin and Inflammatory Diseases: Learn About Its Potential Role in Prevention and Treatment. Sharon Collison. Today’s Dietitian 2014 Sept; 16(9): 56
  4. What is the Anti-Inflammatory Diet? Wendy Marcason. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 2010 Nov.; 110 (11): 1780.
  5. Spice up your life: adipose tissue and inflammation. Agarwal AK. Journal of Lipids 2014; article ID 182575: 8 pages. doi: 10.1155/2014/182575. Epub 2014 Feb 20.
  6. Neuroprotection by spice-derived nutraceuticals: you are what you eat! Kannappan R, et al. Molecular Neurobiology 2011; 44: 142–159.
  7. Anti-carcinogenic and Anti-bacterial Properties of Selected Spices: Implications in Oral Health. Ganjre A, et al. Clinical Nutrition Research 2015 Oct; 4(4): 209-215. doi: 10.7762/cnr.2015.4.4.209. Epub 2015 Oct 31.
  8. Diet and Inflammation. L Galland. Nutrition in Clinical Practice 2010 Dec; 25(6): 634-640.
  9. Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): a review of recent research. Ali BH, et al. Food and Chemical Toxicology 2008; 46: 40920.
  10. Diet and Inflammation: A Link to Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases. K Esposito, D Giugliano. European Heart Journal 2006; 27, 15-20.
  11. Microbiome-mediated effects of the Mediterranean diet on inflammation. Bailey MA, Holscher HD. Advances in Nutrition 2018; 9: 193–206.

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Your Guide to Mindful Eating

With over 62 million tons of wasted food in the U.S. each year, minimizing our impact is more important than ever. Read on to learn what you can do to help reduce food waste.

Experience the Dory Catch from Lido Bottle Works

Experience the Dory Catch from Lido Bottle Works

by | Jan 2, 2019 | All, Home, Nutrition, Recipes

“The Dory Catch at Lido Bottle Works highlights and encompasses the true meaning of local in every ingredient. The fish changes every day. Here’s one you can make at home. Try and support a local farmer’s market when you shop for this.”

Executive Chef Amy Lebrun , Lido Bottle Works

Photography provided by: Lido Bottle Works

Lido Bottle Works is located at 3408 Via Oporto #103, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Open Monday through Thursday 11am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 12am, and Sunday from 11am to 10pm. For the menu and additional details, please visit lidobottleworks.com.

LIDO BOTTLE WORKS DORY CATCH

Photography by: Niyaz Pirani, Knife & Spork Public Relations

Recipe provided by Executive Chef Amy Lebrun of Lido Bottle Works

Ingredients

For the Salmon

  • 2 each 6 oz. Salmon Fillet
  • 1/8 tsp. Smoked Paprika
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 1 tbs. Olive Oil
  • 1 tbs. Butter

For the Kabocha Squash Puree

  • 1 cup Squash Puree (peeled and small dice)
  • 2 oz. White Onion (small dice)
  • 2 each Garlic Cloves (small dice)
  • 1/4 cup White Wine
  • 2 tbs. Olive Oil
  • 2 oz. Seasonal Apples (peeled and diced)
  • 2 oz. Heavy Cream
  • 4 oz. Vegetable Stock
  • 1 tsp. Salt

For the Fingerling Potatoes

  • 1 cup Fingerling Potatoes (cut into 1/4 inch coins)
  • 2 tbs. Olive Oil
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 oz. Chopped Parsley

For the Winter Green Salad

  • 1 oz. Apple (thinly sliced)
  • 1 oz. Fennel (thinly sliced)
  • 2 each Radishes (thinly sliced)
  • Handful of Garden Green (of your choice)
    • *Chef’s Note: I prefer Dandelion, Mustard, Arugula, Frisse, Kale, Blommsdale Spinach and Chard.
  • 2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 1 oz. Olive Oil
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Method

Step 1:

For the Salmon

  • Season filet with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Put salmon in a buttered saute pan and in the oven at 350 degrees.
  • Cook to the desired temperature.

Step 2:

For the Kabocha Squash Puree

  • In a small pot on low heat add oil, garlic, onion, apples and white wine. Sweat until cooked through and alcohol is cooked out.
  • Add squash, cream, vegetable stock, salt, and pepper and cook until squash is cooked through.
  • Transfer to a mixer/blender/food processor to puree. If the puree is too thick, add more vegetable stock to it to thin out and make super smooth.

Step 3: 

For the Fingerling Potatoes 

  • Toss fingerling potatoes in oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Put on a sheet pan and roast in the oven at 350 degrees until cooked through.
  • You can cook the potatoes at the same time as the salmon, but note that the potatoes will take longer to cook.

Step 4:

For the Winter Green Salad

  • In a bowl toss all ingredients together and coat with lemon juice and olive oil.

Featured Recipes

Lose 50 lbs. the Safe Way

Lose 50 lbs. the Safe Way

by | Jan 1, 2019 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Home, Nutrition

Question:

What type of foods should I eat, and exercises should I do? I want to lose 50 lbs. safely. I’m 5’7″ and weigh 203 lbs. and I want to reduce my BMI. How can I stay motivated to workout consistently and hard?

– Kristy M.

Answer:

Since your height and weight don’t tell me anything about who you are, it’s difficult to say what foods you should eat. There are several approaches to weight loss. One is to start with what you already eat and reduce portions, say by 25%. Another is to calorie count and track your intake. You could also go vegetarian. But realistically, the plan you choose should match up with how you live and what you believe about food. I mean, telling you to cook steel cut oats if you dash out the door in 10 minutes each morning is a set-up for failure! I can say that nearly everyone could stand to eat more wholesome, unprocessed ‘clean’ plant-based foods and avoid fried food, candy, junk food, and soda.

I’d encourage you to work through our 90 Day Nutrition Plan to a Leaner You, laid out over three parts. #MoveMoreBurnMore

Motivation comes from within, but a repeating few mantras or sayings can help keep you focused:

  • Don’t shoot for perfection, just better or more than current.
  • “The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen.”
  • Each bout of exercise brings you closer to your goal – sooner.

As far as working out hard, know that it takes a change to create a change – push yourself out of your comfort zone so your body is forced to adapt.

– Debbie J., MS, RD

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Ask our Dietitian

Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!

Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!

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