That’s why we’re going to bring this helpful shopping list from the American Heart Association (AHA) on our next trip to the supermarket. Rather than question the heart health of, say, a box of cereal or a bag of pretzels, this simple PDF describes products that align with the requirements of the AHA Heart-Check Certification Program, meaning they meet with a strict list of nutritional parameters favorable to the cardiovascular system. That way, you’ll know exactly which supermarket foods (products included) are heart-healthy.
If you are not familiar with the heart monitoring program, pretty self-explanatory, not to mention a convenient method of making sure your cardiovascular system gets the nutrients it needs to function at its best. AHA partners with manufacturers to help consumers make better purchasing decisions at the grocery store. The foods and beverages are then labeled with the official AHA certification, a little medallion you’ve probably seen on boxes of Cheerios and Planters peanuts.
Along with the shopping list, which is updated every month, there is no need to question whether or not a particular product or ingredient is. Really approved by a cardiologist. “Finding healthier options when shopping is easier than you think,” the AHA says on its website. “Just look for the Heart-Check mark on certified food and beverage products.” Insert a sigh of relief here. (FYI: This is not a dietary plan and you should still talk to your doctor about what is best for your health, however, is a good guide when browsing your local market).
While you’ll find the suspected heart-healthy foods on this list (think: chicken breast, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts), some of the Heart-Check foods might surprise you. Charcuterie meat, for example, is one of those that caught our attention. Snackers can also get their fix with heart-healthier alternatives like Blue Diamond Low Sodium Almonds ($9) and Caulipower Sweet Potatoes ($9).
Some other foods on the AHA’s heart-healthy grocery list include:
- Quaker Oats: Instant & Traditional
- Eggland’s Best Eggs
- hass avocados
- extra virgin olive oil
- McCormick Chicken Bone Broth
- Bolthouse Farms Carrot Juice
- StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water
- california dates
- Pomegranates and pomegranate arils
- blueberries
- Red, green and black grapes
- dear tangerines
- Boar’s Head Roast Turkey Breast
- unsalted pistachios
- california walnuts
- georgian peanut
- idaho potatoes
…And much more. Fresh and frozen produce, dairy, meats, snacks, nuts, and even seafood – this list has it all. The next time you do your weekly meal prep, skip the guesswork and be sure to treat your heart to the best of the best you can get. Download the The AHA’s list of heart-healthy foods hereor look for that handy little sticker on the side of your favorite foods at your local grocery store.
Craving something sweet? Try this delicious dessert that is packed with heart-healthy treats.
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