Transform Your Heart Health Using Food as Medicine

•Medication can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, however, the good news is that there are ways to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels more naturally as well. Making lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet and limiting sodium, saturated fat, alcohol, and caffeine while also regularly exercising, managing stress and a healthy weight can all significantly help to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
•If you are currently prescribed medication for blood pressure or high cholesterol you should not discontinue it or modify your medication unless you consult with your physician.

According to the World Heart Foundation, about 80% of cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. Most individuals who follow a heart-healthy lifestyle and diet can significantly reduce their disease risk.

•You do not have to completely remove all animal protein to make your diet more cholesterol friendly. Plant-centric diets can introduce plant sterols, fiber, and are lower in saturated fat. However, this doesn't mean you need to go completely vegan if you don't want to.
•The key factor in managing cholesterol levels is managing saturated fat intake, not just the protein source itself. Our chefs focus on choosing lean meats to limit saturated fat. They are also thoughtful with portions and utilize heart-healthy cooking techniques, such as baking or broiling.  •There are nutritional benefits to animal protein such as iron in lean beef, calcium in low-fat dairy, and zinc in shellfish. Like any food, it is important to stick to the concept of moderation and portion control.

Contrary to popular belief, when it comes to blood cholesterol levels, the cholesterol we eat in our food, has little to no effect on blood cholesterol levels. The most common cholesterol myth is eating eggs inherently increases cholesterol levels. Many foods that are high in cholesterol are also high in saturated fat and it's the saturated fats that are known to increase blood cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol itself. The American Heart Association suggests 1-2 eggs per day as part of a heart healthy diet. Our chefs use a combination of whole eggs and egg whites in our breakfasts.