Connect with us

Food and Beverage

3 Steps Toward a Healthier Heart

Published

on

16771 detail intro image

(Family Features) All aspects of health are important, but heart health is a crucial component of overall well-being. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans but it doesn’t need to be – lifestyle choices play a key role in heart health and it’s never too soon to adopt healthful habits. 

From exercising and getting proper sleep to healthy eating – including heart-friendly snacks like grapes – consider these simple steps.

Eat Right
Adopting a balanced and nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats can impact heart health. One way you may lower your risk for heart disease is by
As an easy, convenient, heart-healthy food, grapes are a perfect ingredient for a heart-friendly eating plan that includes recipes like Grape, Broccoli and Avocado Salad with Toasty Oat Topping. Savory broccoli slaw pairs with the delicate sweetness of crisp, juicy Grapes from California while the toasted oat topping provides a crunchy finish.

Grapes are low in sodium and a good source of vitamin K, which promotes heart health, and contain 7% of the daily recommended intake of potassium, a nutrient critical to heart health. Grapes are a natural source of beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols and help maintain healthy circulation by promoting the relaxation of blood vessels.

In fact, according to a study published in the “Journal of Nutrition,” men with metabolic syndrome who consumed 1 1/2 cups of grapes every day showed reduced blood pressure, improved blood vessel function and a decrease in a key marker of inflammation.

Women who consumed 1 1/4 cups of grapes every day as part of a separate study published in the “Journal of Nutrition” benefited from reduced blood triglyceride levels, LDL cholesterol levels, inflammatory proteins and other markers of heart disease.

Get Quality Sleep
Sleep is also critical for a healthy heart.  Most experts recommend 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults. To help achieve that goal, create a bedtime routine by waking up and going to sleep at consistent times. Also ensure a comfortable sleep space by turning off electronics and setting the thermostat to a cozy temperature.

Exercise
A regular exercise routine can have a positive impact on many areas of health. It can be especially beneficial for heart health by lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation and aiding in maintaining a healthy weight. At least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity is recommended by the American Heart Association.  Fuel your workout and recovery with heart-healthy and hydrating foods such as grapes.

Advertisement
Find your perfect chandelier for living room, bedroom, dining room. Shop now

Find more heart-healthy recipes at GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

16771 detail image embed1

Grape, Broccoli and Avocado Salad with Toasty Oat Topping

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Toasted Oat Topping:

  • 1/2 tablespoon butter
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds, coarsely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons steel-cut oats
  • 1/8 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning

Dressing:

  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup quartered red or green Grapes from California
  • 1/4 cup wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • freshly ground pepper, to taste

Salad:

  • 1 bag (12 ounces) broccoli slaw
  • 2 cups lightly packed torn curly kale
  • 1 1/2 cups halved Grapes from California
  • 1/2 cup minced red onion
  • 1/3 cup chopped dried figs
  • freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 1 large, firm but ripe avocado, diced
  1. To make toasted oat topping: In medium skillet over medium-low heat, cook butter, almonds, oats, salt and Italian herb seasoning about 5 minutes, or until lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring frequently.
  2. To make dressing: In small blender, puree olive oil, grapes, wine vinegar, honey, sea salt and pepper, to taste, until smooth.
  3. To make salad: In large bowl, mix broccoli slaw, kale, grapes, red onion and figs; season with pepper, to taste, and drizzle with dressing; toss well to coat. Add avocado and toss lightly. Transfer to six serving plates or bowls and sprinkle with toasted oat topping.

Nutritional information per serving: 320 calories; 5 g protein; 29 g carbohydrates; 22 g fat (62% calories from fat); 3.5 g saturated fat (10% calories from saturated fat); 5 mg cholesterol; 160 mg sodium; 7 g fiber.

collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures
SOURCE:
California Table Grape Commission

 

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage

You can also find food and beverage-related videos on our YouTube channel, where we regularly post new content and share tips, recipes, and demonstrations. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEhXBupt8tVynuUhpQZMxQt4lvPmOiAtQ&si=InDwc7YaB0KIwmxy

Author

Advertisement
Find your perfect chandelier for living room, bedroom, dining room. Shop now

Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Food and Beverage

A Loaded Casserole That’s Quick and Comforting

Published

on

Casserole

(Family Features) It’s tough to beat an easy dinner that’s equal parts comforting, convenient and delicious. This Loaded Hamburger Potato Casserole is no exception – just brown ground beef then mix in a casserole dish with potatoes, bacon, cheese and more before baking for an hour. Find more casserole recipes and beyond at Culinary.net.

17364 potato casserole detail image embed1

Loaded Hamburger Potato Casserole

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy
Servings: 4-6

  • 1 pound ground hamburger
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 bag (1 1/2 pounds) tri-colored baby potatoes
  • 1 can (10 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup fried onions (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 1/2 ounces bacon pieces
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • chives or green onions, for topping
  1. Heat oven to 375 F.
  2. In skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with garlic powder; drain and set aside.
  3. Cut potatoes into small pieces. In casserole dish, mix beef; potatoes; soup; sour cream; milk; fried onions, if desired; cheese; and bacon pieces. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bake, covered, 50 minutes then uncover and bake 10 minutes.
  4. Top with chives or green onions.

collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures
SOURCE:
Culinary.net


Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Continue Reading

Food and Beverage

Savory Pork Chili Fresh from the Slow Cooker

Published

on

17365 VID Barbecue Chili detail Intro Image

Savory Pork Chili Fresh from the Slow Cooker

(Family Features) If you’re hunting for a cool-weather warmup or just need a break from the kitchen, the slow cooker is a perfect tool to make dinner a breeze. This Barbecue Chili recipe from “Cookin’ Savvy” offers a hearty meal that serves a crowd.

Visit Culinary.net to find more family-friendly dinner inspiration and step-by-step recipe videos.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

17365 VID Barbecue Chili detail Detail Image embed

Barbecue Chili
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy
Servings: 8-10

  • 1          pork loin (2-3 pounds)
  • 1          can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies
  • 2          cups barbecue sauce, divided
  • 1          cup water
  • 1          can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2          cans (27 ounces each) chili beans
  • 1          package chili seasoning
  • 1          tablespoon barbecue seasoning
  • 1          tablespoon onion powder
  • 1          tablespoon garlic powder
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • sour cream, for serving
  • shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
  • corn chips, for serving
  1. Place pork loin in slow cooker. Cover with diced tomatoes and green chilies, 1 cup barbecue sauce and water; cook on low 4-6 hours.
  2. Cut up cooked meat and place in Dutch oven along with juices from slow cooker. Add remaining barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, chili beans, chili seasoning, barbecue seasoning, onion powder and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  3. Cook over medium heat 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese and corn chips.

Tip: Add can of beans if serving bigger crowd.

collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures


SOURCE:
Culinary.net

Author


Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Continue Reading

Food and Beverage

Bring Warmth to Winter with a Filling Family Dinner

This winter, enhance family dinners with healthy recipes featuring sweetpotatoes, a nutritious superfood. Try the Cheesy Sweetpotato Casserole for a comforting, flavorful meal that supports overall health.

Published

on

Dinner

Bring Warmth to Winter with a Filling Family Dinner

(Family Features) Hearty, comforting foods that go perfectly with cold weather may be some of your family’s favorites, but if all those filling meals are starting to (literally) weigh you down, it’s time for a better-for-you spin.

Add a superfood to your winter menu for cold-weather dishes you can feel good about serving to your loved ones. Sweetpotatoes, known as a “diabetes superfood” by the American Diabetes Association, are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which are good for overall health. They’re a natural sweetener for that “sweet” flavor you crave without the added sugar, making them a perfect addition to this Cheesy Sweetpotato Casserole made with sweetpotato puree, warm spices and ground turkey.

A healthy and easy weeknight dinner, this creative spin on a classic casserole takes advantage of sweetpotatoes’ sweet, savory versatility. They enhance both flavor and nutrition content in simple and elevated recipes alike. Plus, they can be cooked and prepared in several ways, such as on the stove, baked, microwaved, grilled, slow cooked or, in this case, boiled and pureed.

Visit ncsweetpotatoes.com to discover more ways to cook better-for-you family meals this winter. https://www.youtube.com/embed/NpMfx1ZUyBo?si=EZZcgfdjC5sFWSNb&controls=0

17309 VID Cheesy Sweetpotato Casserole Detail image Embed

Cheesy Sweetpotato Casserole
Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
Servings: 6

  • 1          medium North Carolina sweetpotato
  • 16        ounces shell pasta (or any kind of noodle)

Ground Turkey:

  • 1          tablespoon olive oil
  • 1          pound lean ground turkey
  • 1/2       medium yellow onion, minced
  • 1          teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8       teaspoon salt
  • 1/8       teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/4       teaspoon powdered mustard

Cheese Sauce:

  • 3          tablespoons tomato puree
  • 1/2       cup chicken broth (or any kind of broth)
  • 1          cup shredded colby jack cheese, plus additional for topping (optional)
  • salt, to taste
  •             nonstick cooking spray
  • fresh parsley, for garnish
  1. Peel sweetpotato and chop into 1-inch cubes. Place in pot and cover with water. Bring to boil over high heat. Cook 13-15 minutes until sweetpotatoes are tender. Drain and let cool 2-3 minutes then puree in food processor or blender.
  2. Bring large pot of water to boil. Add shell pasta. Cook until slightly harder than al dente as it will continue to cook in oven.
  3. Strain pasta, rinse with cold water and set aside.
  4. To make ground turkey: Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil. When olive oil is fragrant, add ground turkey. Break turkey into small pieces. Mix in onion, garlic powder, salt, ground pepper and powdered mustard; cook 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. To make cheese sauce: Heat oven to 375 F and place sweetpotato puree in blender or food processor with tomato puree, chicken broth, 1 cup shredded cheese and salt, to taste. Blend until combined and sauce is smooth.
  6. Spray 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place noodles, ground turkey and sweetpotato sauce in casserole dish and mix until coated in sweetpotato cheese sauce. Sprinkle with additional shredded cheese, if desired, and bake 15 minutes.
  7. Remove, let cool 10 minutes and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures
SOURCE:
North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission


Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Continue Reading

Trending