4 heart-healthy superhero ingredients

When we exercise, cardiovascular health is important, isn’t it?

Danielle, Zenit’s nutritionist, introduces us to 4 superhero ingredients found in Zenit snacks that benefit heart health.🤎

1) OATS: We love them!

Let’s start with rolled oats, that wonderful ingredient found in many Zenit snacks. We’ll soon understand why we add them almost everywhere.

"The organic large-flake oats I use in Zenit snacks come from Olofée Farm in Saguenay. The word «Olofée» means: «Rising in the wind thanks to acquired speed». Olofée is a wonderful family business founded in 1974. Today, the farm processes more than 17,000 metric tonnes of oats per year." 😮

Why are oats a superhero grain?
1) This whole grain is rich in fiber and protein. These two nutrients help curb hunger and increase the feeling of fullness.
2) Rich in soluble fiber, oats facilitate intestinal transit and help reduce constipation.
3) Oat fiber is well known for reducing bad cholesterol and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
4) Oats increase beneficial gut bacteria, which reduces inflammation in the body.

2) HASKAP BERRIES: A fruit worth discovering!

"I have a soft spot for this fruit because the haskap berries I use in the haskap and sunflower energy balls are harvested at my father Gérald’s farm on the North Shore. I really enjoy picking this little fruit myself during my summer holidays."

Haskap berries have a unique and complex flavor, often associated with blackcurrants, blueberries, and raspberries. Some detect hints of blackberry, nectarine, plum, and rhubarb.
Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers are record-breaking. They contain two to three times more antioxidants than a blueberry, more vitamin C than an orange, as well as plenty of vitamin A and a good amount of calcium.

Why are haskap berries good for the heart 💜?
1) Research clearly indicates that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps reduce the risk of heart disease.
2) Antioxidants and vitamin C help slow or prevent atherosclerosis by reducing the buildup of plaque made up of cholesterol and other substances inside the arteries.
3) Soluble fiber is gentle fiber found in fruits, including haskap berries. It helps lower cholesterol and control blood sugar levels.

3) ALMONDS: For snacking and spreading!

"I love reaching into a bag of roasted almonds. Rich in protein and an excellent source of fiber, almonds are a snack of choice. I also love spreading almond butter on toast and topping it with banana slices."

Did you know that almost all Zenit snacks are held together with a mixture of almond butter, honey, and maple syrup? That’s one of the reasons they are so filling.

Why do almonds contribute to cardiovascular health🤎?
1) The phytosterols found in almonds help regulate blood cholesterol levels by lowering LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).
2) The abundance of unsaturated fatty acids in almonds, particularly monounsaturated fats, helps reduce the risk of heart disease.
3) Almonds contain soluble and insoluble fiber. A diet rich in soluble fiber helps lower LDL blood cholesterol, which can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
4) Almonds provide an excellent supply of vitamins (B1, B2, B3, E) and minerals (magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper). This is also what makes them so beneficial for heart health and overall health.

4) PEA PROTEIN: A plant-based protein with a highly interesting nutritional profile.

"I’m adding more and more plant-based protein to my diet for environmental and health reasons. Pea protein contains between 80 and 85% protein, which allows me to meet my protein needs."

Why does pea protein contribute to cardiovascular health🤎?
1) Plant-based proteins are free of cholesterol and animal-based saturated fat.
2) According to studies, replacing animal protein with plant-based protein improves blood cholesterol levels by reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL).
3) Fiber intake is greatly improved by consuming pea protein. Fiber helps control blood sugar levels, lower blood cholesterol, and promote satiety.