February is the month of love and Valentine’s Day, so is it any wonder that it’s also American Heart Month? Our hearts are central to every function in our bodies, so taking care of our hearts is crucial to overall health, and hearing health as well!
Heart and Hearing Health
Did you know there is a connection between heart health and hearing health? Proper cardiovascular function and blood circulation is vital to hearing health.
A heart-healthy diet, full of whole, unprocessed foods, can keep your whole body functioning properly and protect your hearing. Processed foods can raise “bad” blood cholesterol and increase risk for heart disease, and hearing problems like tinnitus, dizziness and hearing loss were also correlated with elevated blood lipids.
Fortunately, there is a wide variety of healthy, whole foods that can protect heart and hearing health. Some examples of heart-healthy foods are avocados, dark leafy greens, dark chocolate, coffee, blueberries, red wine, salmon and so many other delicious foods.
We’ve created a quick one-day example of heart-healthy recipes that can give you a good idea of how to eat for heart and hearing health.
Breakfast
- Two-egg omelet with veggies, a side of blueberries, and coffee
We love the even-cooking of cast iron, so we heat a good fat like coconut oil in the pan and pour a scrambled-egg mixture into the pan. Let it cook until you can see it is mostly cooked, then add some pre-cooked veggies into the middle and roll the egg around it. Add veggies such as spinach, avocado, tomatoes, onions, and even salsa!
Coffee and blueberries add anti-oxidants and vitamins that contribute to a great start in the morning!
Lunch
- BLAT salad with water
The BLAT salad (bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato) is a carb-free alternative to the BLT, and adds heart-healthy avocado to the mix, for a satisfying, delicious lunch that won’t weigh you down. Using a good mix of organic greens will ensure you are getting a wide variety of nutrients.
Making your own salad dressing is not only easy and inexpensive, it’s often a much healthier alternative to commercial dressings which may contain industrial oils, artificial flavors and colors and preservatives. Whip together a simple dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice. Add a little mustard if you have it on hand for a delicious mustard vinaigrette!
Snack
- Homemade trail mix
Trail mix is very easy to make and can be less expensive than pre-packaged trail mixes in the store. Add some nuts, dark chocolate chips and a few pieces of dried fruit like crainberries or raisins and your trail mix is complete!
Dinner
- Salmon filets with salt, lemon and pepper
- Red wine
Wild fish is always the best option and is more heart-healthy than farmed. Wild salmon has a healthy dose of omega-3 fats and other nutrients. Season it simply with lemon juice and zest, salt and pepper, or try out a new recipe–there are hundreds online at sites like BonAppetit.com.
Red wine contains anti-oxidants that have long been connected to heart health. It’s best to stop at one glass, however, because after that more damage than good is done in the body.
Dessert
- Dark Chocolate and Pistachios
Dark chocolate is great–it contains stress-relieving magnesium and a lot of other nutrients. Try to get a high quality dark chocolate, ideally choosing organic with the highest percentage of cacao you can find.
Pistachios are also linked to heart health, and go great with chocolate!
Heart Healthy is Hearing Healthy!
Since heart health is connected with hearing health, it’s important to be mindful of the health of your whole body as one unit. Eating whole, unprocessed foods and getting some movement in every day (even if it’s just a walk around the block once or twice) can make a huge difference in your overall health, and protect your hearing while you’re at it.
Los Gatos Audiology is here to help you protect your hearing health. Call today and come in for your yearly hearing exam so you can stay ahead of the curve and protect your hearing, your brain and your health.
We’ve served San Jose and the Bay Area for over 40 years, providing the right solution for Your Life. Your Style.