Lower Triglycerides Naturally with This Sandwich Topping

Do you usually ask for tomatoes with your turkey on whole wheat? Make it a habit and your triglycerides could benefit.

In a study, young adults who consumed lots of fresh tomatoes experienced lower triglyceride levels -- and higher HDL (good) cholesterol levels. And after only 6 weeks!

You Say Tomato
Participants in the study noshed on lots of tomatoes every day -- almost 3 cups of the fresh fruit. So top your salads with cherry tomatoes, add slices to your sandwiches, and dice up a bunch of fresh tomatoes for a pico de gallo snack. You could throw in some tomato juice for good measure, as well. In the study, people who drank 2 1/2 cups of tomato juice daily experienced similar benefits -- and lower LDL cholesterol levels! (Is your cholesterol out of whack? Find out what your numbers mean.)

Talkin' About Tomatoes
Tomatoes and tomato juice are rich in phenols -- and researchers credit these disease-fighting compounds with helping to keep unhealthful blood fats in check. Although the mechanism behind it all is not yet understood, one thing is certain: Optimal cholesterol levels can help stave off heart and blood vessel disease. Here are a few more easy ways to keep your cholesterol in check:

• Plan good meals. Soy and plant sterols: good. Saturated fats: bad. Here are two different diet options that help control cholesterol.
• Work in activity. Couch lounging: bad. Active hobbies: good. Do this for 30 minutes a day and you'll up your blood levels of heart-friendly fats.

Dip those tortilla chips into this tasty homemade Pico de Gallo recipe, courtesy of EatingWell.