Berry Benefits

Perhaps you only use cranberries around the holidays, but you'd be wise to keep them on the menu all year long.  Research shows that they may increase your level of HDL cholesterol, the good kind that prevents plaque from building up in your arteries.  They're also packed with flavonoids-antioxidants thought to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer.  Give your ticker a treat by adding dried cranberries to everything from salad and cereal to trail mix and rice dishes.

Not Sweet for Your Heart

February Heart Healthy Month, some not so sweet news!  Do you start your day with sugar in your coffee or tea?  Maybe then a cookie or two in the afternoon?  Chances are you easily exceed the 6 teaspoons of added sugar recommended daily.  Your sugar intake may put your heart at risk.

University of Colorado researchers found that when people consumed more than 42 teaspoons of added sugar a day, their blood pressure rose five points in two weeks.

"An excess of fructose (found in table sugar) causes cell damage, which may increase blood pressure," says researcher Richard Johnson, M.D.  A good start:  Sprinkle less sugar in your coffee and tea.

Try Stevia, you can buy it at Trader Joe's.  Great for coffee, oatmeal or anything else you would normally add table sugar too.  Check it out!