February is Heart Month, a time to reflect on this incredible organ that beats an average of 100,000 times a day. Moving as often as possible, quitting smoking, maintaining a he althy weight and eating he althy are the best quartet to pamper our hearts.
Unfortunately, 1.6 million people in the country are living with heart disease or the after-effects of a stroke. It is the second leading cause of death in the country, after cancer.
The role of fruit and vegetable “housekeeper”
On the website of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (heartandstroke.ca), we can read that one way to improve in a way Immediate heart he alth involves eating more vegetables and fruits. "Eating 4 to 10 servings of vegetables and fruit a day can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke." Rich in water and fibre, low in calories and brimming with essential nutrients, fruits and vegetables have everything to please our hearts. As I often like to say, these little gems of naturerepresent our best he alth insurance policy.
Several fruits and vegetables are very high in vitamin C and beta-carotene, such as citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli, carrots and sweet potatoes. These two antioxidants (vitamins C and A) have the ability to slow down, or even prevent, atherosclerosis by reducing the accumulation of cholesterol-formed plaque inside the arteries. Fruits and vegetables act like a “housekeeper” in our body. That's why I declare them the new "BFF" (best friends forever) of the heart!
Say “I love you” with fruit
February is also the month of Valentine's Day. To declare your love to the family this year, go through the fruits! Go there for a magnificent chocolate fondue accompanied by colorful and cookie-cut fruits in the shape of a heart and a star, for example. If you're not a chocolate fan, there are those 100% fruit cakes or those magnificent watermelon pizzas that please the eyes as much as the taste buds. Fruit cones are another great way to please toddlers and bring back fond summer memories. Simply fill the cones with fruit or fill the bottom with ice cream then top with fruit. Verrines are also a beautiful and tasty way to top off the meal. For the indulgent touch, use chocolate pudding, s alted caramel, or dulce de leche. The fruits will never have been sopopular!
Have a light heart
Without a he althy heart, the opportunities for a full and happy life are greatly limited. Adopting he althy lifestyle habits and coloring our daily plates with a variety of fruits and vegetables can actually add years to our lives and, more importantly, life to our years!
Julie DesGroseilliers
Nutritionist and spokesperson for the Movement I like fruits and vegetables, @jaimelesfruitsetlegumes
