Best Nutrients to Choose for Heart Health Month!

by Christina Meyer-Jax, Tastemaker in Residence

Did you know the average human heart is pumping you up approximately 4,800 times per HOUR! If you keep going with the math that is over 100,000 times per DAY. Joining us this morning to celebrate Heart Health Month is registered dietitian and nutritionist Christina Meyer-Jax to share the best nutrients and simple recipes that will show your heart some love.

Join me on Sunday, 2/24 at 9ish on Fox 9 for more on Heart Health Month!

Recipes:

Chipotle Lime Sauce Source: Adapted from Mazola.com
A quick 30-minute marinade or dressing adds great chipotle, lime and cilantro flavors to your favorite protein or salad.

Find Black Bean, Avocado & Corn Salad inspiration at Crazy Vegan Kitchen
 
Black Bean, Avocado, and Corn Salad with Chipotle Lime Sauce

Ingredients
1 can S&W® 50% reduced sodium black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 cup hawed Corn Kernels
1 cup halved Cherry Tomatoes
1 Avocado, diced
1/2 a Red Onion, diced finely
1/3 cup finely chopped Cilantro
 
Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine Black Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, Avocado, Red Onion and chopped Cilantro. Gently mix all the ingredients together, and try to bruise the Avocado as little as possible.
2. Add Chipotle Lime Sauce (recipe above) to your Black Bean mixture.
3. Stir gently to distribute sauce and then check for seasoning and adjust accordingly.
4. Salad is best served room temperature and will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days if stored in an air tight box.

 
Cook's Note: Add it to salad, or bake in zucchini boats.
 

Chocolate Black Bean Mug Cake
Makes 1 serving (double or more for extra mugs)

Ingredients
¼ cup S&W black beans
1 Tbsp old fashioned or quick cooking oats
1 Tbsp cocoa powder
2 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp Mazola® Corn Oil, can also use for greasing the mug
½ tsp vanilla or almond extract
¼ tsp baking powder
3 strawberries sliced or raspberries with mint sprig (optional)
Powdered sugar- lightly sprinkled (optional)

Instructions

1. In a blender (or food processor), combine the ingredients and process until smooth.
2. Pour into a lightly greased coffee mug.
3. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave. Start with 1 minute, and continue 30 seconds at a time until it is firm in the center.
4. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the mug.
5. Serve, topped with strawberry slices.