Food for thought: simple ingredients make for heart-healthy treats. (Healthy Lifestyles).(Brief Article)

If you think a heart-healthy diet relegates you to bland meals and sparse dinner plates, think again. Study after study shows that by simply cutting back on animal protein, upping your intake of fruits and vegetables and reaching for healthy fats found in foods like nuts and avocados you can reduce your risk of heart disease by almost half. More specifically, research has found that certain foods incorporated into a low-fat diet can help keep your ticker ticking. The good news is that three of these food superstars--oatmeal, soy and tea--are probably sitting in your cupboard right now. The even better news is that we have two recipes that turn this seemingly odd combination of ingredients into mouth-watering treats.

What's so special about these foods? Lots. Just three grams of the soluble fiber found in oatmeal can significantly reduce cholesterol levels. Soy protein, in addition to lowering cholesterol, is also low in saturated fat and contains compounds (isoflavones) believed to block the action of disease-causing free radicals--reducing the risk of blood dots, a major factor in strokes and heart attacks. Research has found that just 25 g. of soy protein daily--the amount found in less than 1 1/2 cups of tofu or 1 cup of tempeh--can help you reap these benefits. Tea, whether black, green or red, has emerged as the drink of choice for those concerned about heart health. All contain potent antioxidants called polyphenols. It's believed that these compounds are responsible for preventing blood clots, lowering cholesterol and blocking free-radical action.

But that's enough of the science. Let's move onto to the fun part--dessert! Take a break and enjoy a cup of tea with a muffin or a few cookies. Your heart will thank you for it.

 
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies 
 
MAKES 50 TO 55 COOKIES 
 
1/2 cup butter or 
    margarine, softened 
1/4 cup soft tofu 
1/2 cup granulated sugar 
1/2 packed brown sugar 
  1 egg 
  2 Tbs. water 
  2 tsp. vanilla extract 
1/4 cup unbleached flour 
1/4 cup soy flour 
  1 tsp. baking soda 
  1 tsp. cinnamon 
  3 cups rolled oats  ...