According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. February is American Heart Month, which means that many of us are thinking about ways to take care of our well-being and keep our hearts strong.
Preventing and lowering high blood pressure can protect your heart, and diet and exercise choices make a huge difference in maintaining blood pressure within recommended limits. Getting an optimal amount of sleep and keeping stress low also contribute to heart health.
Food Choices for Heart Health
According to the American Heart Association, one key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is choosing wholesome foods at the grocery store. Eating heart-smart also means consuming less sodium, which is found in many packaged and processed foods. When preparing food at home, you can cook healthful dishes using a flavor enhancer like MSG to reduce added salt. This blog from last year includes a list of 10 ways to reduce sodium in your diet.
Use MSG to Lower Sodium in Cooking
MSG is the purest form of umami, which enhances the savory taste of foods we love. So how can cooking with MSG help you reduce salt in your favorite dishes? Generally, ½ teaspoon of MSG is recommended to season one pound of meat or a recipe that serves 4 to 6 people. To learn more about how to correctly season food with MSG (as well as salt and pepper), check out this post with culinary tips.
Combining regular exercise, restful sleep, and a lower-sodium diet can all contribute to a healthy lifestyle and a strong heart. Some simple changes to the way you move and cook can make all the difference in your efforts to live a long and healthy life.
Related Reading:
- Can Umami Be a Useful Tool for Reducing Sodium in Meals?
- MSG Is Beneficial in a Reduced Sodium Diet
- The Heart Truth® from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
