Nationally, February is known as Heart Health month.  Many people show their support by wearing red throughout the month.  Some people wear red shirts.  Others wear red ties and even more wear red pins.  But did you know that you could show your support and improve your heart health by eating red?!?!

Red apples, well actually any apples, are high in a substance called pectin.   Pectin is a type of fiber classified as soluble fiber.  Studies have shown that a diet high in soluble fiber can help reduce your total cholesterol which in turn can reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease.  Eating soluble fiber also causes you to feel fuller longer helping you to reduce your total calorie intake.  Following a lower calorie diet can promote weight loss over time and having a body weight closer to your ideal also reduces your risk for cardiovascular disease. 

The good news is that if you aren’t crazy about apples many other foods are high in soluble fiber.  Try having oatmeal or any other oat based cereal for breakfast or a snack.   Instead of the old standard salad, spruce up your salad and add broccoli and carrots to increase the soluble fiber in your meal.   You could also snack on edamame or soybeans for a higher fiber snack. 

Other heart healthy tips include reducing your total fat intake and especially watching your intake of saturated fats.  Those are fats found in animal and animal products.  This can be accomplished simply by eating less tried foods.  Limit the amount of refined sugars in your diet.  Drinking less sugary beverages and forgoing dessert will reduce the amount of sugar you consume.  Finally, aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 or more days per week.  Start by parking further away in stores, taking the stairs and just walking more. 

So think about incorporating a few of these suggestions into your daily lifestyle, including eating an apple a day and it just might help to keep the doctor away.