This Is the Heart-Healthy Lunch a Cardiologist Actually Eats-and It’s Delicious
Key Points:
- Cardiologist Elizabeth Klodas recommends a heart-healthy lunch salad featuring leafy greens like arugula, roasted vegetables, and lean protein such as salmon to support cardiovascular health and maintain fullness.
- Leafy greens provide essential nutrients like potassium and folate that help regulate blood pressure, while roasted vegetables like beets and broccoli add fiber, plant sterols, and antioxidants beneficial for heart function.
- Including lean proteins such as salmon, chicken, or legumes supplies omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients that reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol, complemented by complex carbohydrates like quinoa or whole grains for sustained energy.
- Flavor the salad with heart-healthy ingredients like olive oil and fresh herbs to keep sodium and saturated fat low, and consider other nutritious lunch