Heart Healthy Monday on Bookvisions

Heart Healthy Web Link: What is your Cholesterol IQ?

Heart Healthy Tip: To help lower your cholesterol, add more dietary fiber to your meals with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. According to James Beckerman, MD, a cardiologist quoted on WebMD, soluble fiber such as oatmeal, barley, and beans absorb cholesterol in your digestive tract.

Heart Healthy Recipe
Italian Bread and Bean Salad

8 slices of Italian Bread ¾ “ thick (or even better, use some really good whole grain bread!)
1 ½ C diced tomato (scoop seeds out)
1 C peeled, diced cucumber
½ C Parmesan Cheese, grated
½ C diced Celery
½ C chopped mild sweet onion
¼ C fresh Italian Parsley, chopped
¼ C fat-free Italian dressing
2 T minced fresh basil
3 T sliced black olives
1 T White Wine Vinegar
1 (15oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

Cut the bread into cubes and place in a single layer in a large jellyroll pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes or until golden. Let cool completely. Combine all of the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl. Just before serving add the bread cubes and toss lightly. Serve immediately.
5 - 2-cup servings
285 calories (15% from fat)

I hope that Heart Healthy Mondays encourage you to take care of your health and heart.  Let me know what you think!