Heart Healthy Sunbeam Sandwiches

February is love month! A time to show our family and friends how much they mean to us. But don't forget to show yourself some love! Here are some heart healthy Sunbeam Bread sandwiches that provide nutrients and vitamins to keep your ticker strong. And when your heart is healthy, the more love it can give all year long!

Bread can be a good source of energy through carbohydrates. Whole wheat bread is a great source of fiber. The fact that bread is fortified with vitamins and minerals, like iron, makes it a good choice for a heart (and overall) healthy meal.

Heart Healthy Turkey Panini

When we consider the healthy foods we want to eat, nutrient density tops the list of important factors. This sandwich provides a wide range of nutrients, all packed into one bite! From the bread to the veggies, spreads, and protein, it’s a great choice for any meal. Turkey has a good score for nutrient density related to protein (8 grams per 50 calories). Turkey is also a good source of Vitamin B6, Niacin, and tryptophan. Tryptophan has been shown to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps improve your mood. It also has a role in strengthening the immune system.

Veggie & Hummus Sandwich

This mile-high vegetable and hummus sandwich makes the perfect heart-healthy vegetarian lunch to go. Mix it up with different flavors of hummus and different types of vegetables depending on your mood. Hummus is a good source of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which in moderate amounts can help lower your risk for heart disease and improve cholesterol. Tahini and olive oil supply the bulk of these heart-healthy unsaturated fats.

Egg Salad & Watercress Tea Sandwiches

Peppery watercress adds zest to classic egg salad in these easy tea sandwiches. Enjoy as a quick appetizer or brunch option. Eating watercress can help support the health of your heart. Antioxidants (carotenoids in particular) have been linked to lower blood pressure, lower risk of heart disease, and even a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. Eggs are a great source of vitamins A, D and B12, as well as choline, a nutrient essential in many steps of metabolism.

Green Goddess Sandwich

This green goddess sandwich is a fresh and satisfying sandwich. The dressing packs a flavorful punch with capers and lemon juice. The cucumber and sprouts add nice crunch, and the seasoned avocado brings in the creaminess. Cucumbers are good for your ticker when you include them with a well-balanced diet. Their antioxidant activity helps slow or stop heart-related disease. Adding sprouts to your diet also may have benefits for the health of your heart. Several studies have shown that consuming sprouts can lower cholesterol levels in people with diabetes or obesity. One study showed an increase in “good” HDL cholesterol as well as a drop in triglycerides and “bad” LDL cholesterol. Eating one a week may lower heart disease risk. The creamy, pale green flesh of an avocado is full of nutrients closely tied to heart health. Now, a long-term study finds that eating at least two servings of this popular fruit per week is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Sweet Potato-Black Bean Burgers

These vegan sweet potato-black bean burgers spiced with curry powder are easy to make. Blending the mixture with your hands gives you a soft, uniform texture then the outside gets crispy by cooking in a cast-iron pan. Eating potassium-rich sweet potatoes helps promote a healthy heart. Higher potassium intake allows you to excrete more sodium lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk for heart disease according to the American Heart Association.

Honey-Yogurt Avocado Toast

This twist on avocado toast adds Greek yogurt to the situation, which is not only a creamy, tangy base for the toasted whole-grain bread, but also adds a bit of protein to the situation to keep you satisfied through the morning. It's high in antioxidants, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, which may support better health. Studies show honey's antioxidants could help improve cholesterol levels, which could help decrease the risk for heart disease. Yogurt has been linked to healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Eating yogurt as part of a healthy diet can help prevent long-term weight gain, which is good for the heart.

For these, and other great healthy Sunbeam Bread recipes, visit https://pin.it/23w61Yd.