February is National Heart Month and Idaho is bursting with heart-healthy products that you can incorporate into your diet to support your cardiovascular system. With only a little bit of planning, you can create healthy menus with nutritious, local foods.
Follow our easy guide to learn how to add cardiovascular-healthy Idaho cuisine to your diet and give your heart some LOVE!

Ancient Grains
Teff is a low-glycemic grain that is hyper-rich in health benefits. This heart-loving superfood is gluten-free, high in protein and calcium. A cup of cooked teff offers 123 mg, about the same amount of calcium as in a half-cup of cooked spinach! It’s also an excellent source of vitamin C and iron— nutrients not commonly found in grains. Teff, commonly grown in Ethiopia, is grown right here in Idaho by The Teff Company. For more information on The Teff Company and their products visit their website. Teff grain, flour and other products can also be found at your local retail and specialty food stores.
Baked Goods
Breads made with whole grains, flaxseed and oats are also good for your cardiovascular system. Choose whole-grain loaves from Zeppole, Harper’s Homemade Bread and Bigwood Bread . Looking for a special treat? Try Zeppole banana bread!
Barley
Idaho is the second largest producer of barley in the nation. While most of the barley we grow is malted and used for making beer, you can still find Idaho pearled barley at some grocery stores or online. Barley is a healthy addition to soups, stews and salads. Kauffman Farms located in Filer, Idaho makes a great “Hearty Barley” soup mix. To order their products visit their website or stop at the Broadway Albertsons. You can find other great barley recipes on the Idaho Barley Commission website.

Grains & Seeds
Ground flaxseed is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. It can easily be added to your morning cereal, homemade muffins and yogurt parfaits.  Mountain State Oilseeds, has been growing and harvesting flaxseed in American Falls for over 40 years. For more information on Mountain State visit there website here.

Oats and other whole grains are also good for your heart health. Oats are high in fiber and very versatile. Harvest Ridge Organics produces several products using whole grains and oats that are grown on their farm near Lewiston, Idaho. Harvest Ridge now produces organic oats that are available whole, steel-cut or flaked. For more information on their products visit the Harvest Ridge Organics website.  You can also find their product at the Moscow Food Co-Op.

Highland Milling from Bancroft, Idaho processes Idaho oats into whole, steel-cut or flaked. Order their oats through Natures Indulgence. You can also enjoy their oats in granola made by Natures Indulgence and the Backcountry Bar.

If you’re looking for a quick but health option in the morning try the Müesli from Anew Foods made with local oats or one of the super food oatmeals from Happy Day Brands.

It is easy to make your heart healthy and eat locally grown and crafted foods. Just look for the Idaho Preferred logo.

Also, check out this great recipe from our Governor Brad Little, Brad Little’s Famous Oatmeal.