3 Ways to Reduce Risk of Heart Disease With Grains

1. Purchase Whole Grain Products

Whole grains have been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease. Incorporate whole grains into your daily diet by changing what food you buy. On the market now, there are many whole grain choices. You can purchase a wide variety of breakfast cereals that are whole grain. Lines of pasta have been introduced that are whole grain. Look for whole grain options when purchasing bread, as well. Ensure you are not just buying wheat bread, but bread that incorporates the whole grain into the ingredients.

2. Cooking and Baking with Whole Grains

Lower your risk of heart disease by learning to cook with whole grains. Whole grains are an important part of a heart healthy diet. Using them in cooking and baking is a simple change that can benefit your heart. When making pancakes or waffles, substitute half of the amount of flour with oatmeal. When baking cookies or cake, you can substitute one-third of the amount of flour with whole grain. Brown rice is a great whole grain to use instead of white rice. You can add barley, wild rice and bulger to foods, such as soups, stews and stir fries. Experiment with different whole grains. Learn their taste and don't be afraid to try new ones.

3. Snacking Can Be Good For You

Use whole grains every day by changing the way that you snack. Find snacks that use whole grains. Look for snack foods, such as crackers and chips, that are made with whole grains. Popcorn is a whole grain, and snacking on seeds and nuts are great ways to get those whole grains into your diets, as well. Oatmeal cookies and baked tortilla chips are also whole grain snacks.