Swiss Chard and Heart Health

Q: What is Swiss chard and why is it good for heart health? Also, what’s the best way to prepare it?

A: Swiss chard is a leafy green that looks like a cross between spinach and romaine lettuce. It’s loaded with potassium, a mineral that is vital to healthy blood pressure. Just 1 cup of it gives you 25 percent of the potassium you need each day. To eat Swiss chard, wash it well, then tear off the tough stems and shake it dry. Sauté the chard in a hot skillet with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and minced or sliced garlic (to taste). It’s also good chopped up and added to soups; toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Stephanie Karpinske, M.S., R.D., writes about weight loss, nutrition, and health issues. As an editor of many diet and health books, her mission is to help others live healthier lives.