Heart-Healthy Thanksgiving Sides

Festive Fall Favorites that are Heart-Healthy

With the holiday season rounding the corner, that means looking forward to your favorite Thanksgiving foods. Here are a few that are not only delicious but good for your heart health too!

How Your Diet affects Your Cardiovascular Health

Like most areas of your health, your diet significantly impacts your cardiovascular health. While eating a balanced diet can help your cardiovascular system to function optimally, it can also significantly reduce your risk of developing:

• Heart disease
• Experiencing a cardiac event
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressur4e
• Obesity

Thanksgiving Foods That Support Your Heart Health

When planning your Thanksgiving dinner, try adding some of these side dishes to give your heart a healthful boost:

Use Butter Alternatives

While plenty of recipes call for butter, it’s easy to swap it out with some heart-healthy alternatives. Rather than sticking with butter, try combining or substituting it with these alternatives:

• Olive oil
• Safflower oil
• Canola oil
• Avocado oil

Choose Dark Leafy Greens and Colorful Veggies

When pulling together side dishes, try to make your plate as colorful as possible. When getting a variety of vegetables, you’re making sure that your plate is packed with plenty of healthful nutrients. Some veggies to consider include:

• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Lettuce
• Kale
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes

Cut Back on Added Salt

Too much salt can be detrimental to your heart health. Rather than relying on this popular seasoning to give your dishes flavor, opts for fresh herbs and spices like:

• Cilantro
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Oregano
• Chives
• Sage
• Thyme
• Dill
• Basil
• Cinnamon
• Chili flakes
• Nutmeg
• Paprika

Cardiovascular Care in Titusville

When it comes to supporting your cardiovascular health, your Parrish Healthcare Cardiovascular team are experts in the art of healing your heart, lungs, and veins. 

If you have heart-related health concerns, take our HeartAware Health Risk Assessment. It takes just a few minutes to receive your personalized and confidential information.