Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and men in the United States. Thankfully, coronary heart disease can be prevented (and even reversed) by following a healthy lifestyle, which includes a focus on whole, plant-based foods.
What Makes a Meal Heart-Healthy?
We know that high cholesterol levels are an important driving factor in the development of heart disease. Specifically, high LDL cholesterol dramatically increases the risk of heart disease.
Heart-healthy meals are cholesterol-free, oil-free, and loaded with antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
10 Delicious Heart Healthy Plant-Based Recipes
Here's a roundup of our favorite vegan recipes to help you reduce the risk for heart disease and add more years to your life.
1. Vegan Curry Vegetables
Image and Recipe from Lotta Veg
Loaded with vegetables in a rich, curry sauce, this heart healthy recipe is easy, and delicious, making it the perfect dish for plant-based beginners. You can serve it with brown rice or quinoa for extra protein.
2. Butternut Squash Risotto
Image and Recipe from Forks Over Knives
This comforting butternut squash risotto has the familiar flavors you know and love – without the dairy!
3. Quinoa Primavera
Image and Recipe from Forks Over Knives
Quinoa is a heart healthy food high in iron and protein. This colorful quinoa salad is packed full of veggies to make your heart sing.
4. Red Bean Curry
Image and Recipe from One Green Planet
Eating heart healthy foods does not mean eating bland foods! This red bean curry is so rich and decadent, it'll make you wonder why you waited so long to start your plant-based journey.
5. Roasted Cauliflower Lentil Soup
Image and Recipe from Karissa's Vegan Kitchen
Comfort food at its healthiest, this cauliflower-lentil soup is all you need for a cozy night in, and it's also rich in protein, iron, essential vitamins and minerals.
6. Vegan Jambalaya
Image and Recipe from The Stingy Vegan
Jambalaya is one of those dishes that's so easy to make, yet the flavor is so rich and indulgent. And luckily, you don't need to eat meat to enjoy this comfort food classic. Beans and mushrooms take the leading roles in this vegan take on jambalaya.
7. Spiced Chickpea Stew
Image and Recipe from Veggie Inspired
A perfect weeknight meal, this spiced chickpea curry is chunky, saucy, flavorful, and full of healthy plant based protein. Make it a complete meal and serve it on a bed of brown rice.
8. Oil-Free Vegan Fried Rice
Image and Recipe from MamaSezz
No need to say goodbye to your favorite takeaway dish, the mighty fried rice. You can make it at home, with a heart-healthy spin, using this oil-free recipe.
9. Beets Nice Cream
Image and Recipe from MamaSezz
Beets are a heart healthy superfood! They contain nitrates which help increase blood flow. If their earthy flavor puts you off, try this genius recipe for beet ice cream (dairy-free, of course)!
10. Roasted Asparagus Salad with Chickpeas and Potatoes
Image and Recipe from Fat Free Vegan
We are closing this recipe roundup with a refreshing yet hearty vegan salad with asparagus, chickpeas, and potatoes, a winning combo for optimum heart healthy and vitality.
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Rafaela Michailidou is a Vegan Lifestyle Coach, and a freelance health and wellness content writer, with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies.