Heart-Smart Toppings

By:   Reader's Digest

For both flavor and health, add the following liberally to cereal, sauces, soups, salads, stir-fries, and roasts.

Ground flaxseed. This is the richest plant source of heart-protecting omega-3 fatty acids. Buy pre-ground or milled flax and store it in the freezer, or look for a flax mill loaded with flaxseeds at a kitchen store. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons to food.

Chopped nuts. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons to cereal, salads, or fruit for extra fiber and monounsaturated fat (walnuts also provide omega-3s). Chopped nuts stay fresh longer in the freezer.

Wheat germ. It's a terrific natural source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that may discourage artery-clogging plaque. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons per serving to cereal and baked goods. Store in the fridge or freezer to preserve freshness.

Cinnamon. Just 1/2 teaspoon a day can help control blood sugar and lower cholesterol. Sprinkle some in coffee, cereal, and fruit salad.

Grated ginger. Add this powerful antioxidant to meat dishes, fruit, and desserts. You can keep some fresh ginger in the freezer and simply grate what you need, or use powdered ginger.

Chopped garlic. This beloved flavoring may lower cholesterol. Add it to salad
dressings, meat dishes, veggies, and sauces. Store pre-chopped garlic in the fridge.