St. Kate's Nutrition and Exercise Science assistant professor Christina Meyer-Jax, MS, RDN, is not only a registered dietitian, but a favorite recurring guest of the Fox 9 morning food segment. Joining Fox 9 for a celebration of Heart Health Month, Meyer-Jax shared her expertise and recommendations on foods that keep your heart happy and healthy.
Meyer-Jax explained that while most people tend to target fat consumption when considering heart health, "...the thing that actually contributes to heart disease risk [is] inflammation. One of the things that can lead to inflammation is high sugar consumption — it's not always that fat."
The average adult intake of sugar is half a cup, a staggering amount Meyer-Jax recommends replacing with foods that make your heart happy — such as brightly-colored fruits, teas containing the spice turmeric, and dishes made with reduced-sodium black beans instead of meat.
Meyer-Jax is a nationally-recognized food and nutrition expert, as well as serving as a health correspondent for a variety of local news outlets. She has worked with many well-known food companies such as General Mills, Glaceau, KIND Healthy Snacks, and more, and is the founder of .
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By Michelle Mullowney '17