-HEART HEALTH TK

Spicy sweetpotato hummus

May BLOOD PRESSURE EDUCATION MONTH

SOCIAL POSTS Spice up your Cinco de Mayo celebration with this vibrant Roasted Sweetpotato Mango Salsa recipe! Perfect for dipping or topping tacos, it’s a delicious twist on traditional salsa. #CincoDeMayo #Salsa #Sweetpotato #ncsweetpotatoes DYK a medium baked sweetpotato with skin can have up to 800 mg of potassium? Eating foods high in potassium can help control blood pressure. May is Mediterranean Month and Blood Pressure Education Month! The Mediterranean diet is renowned for its heart-health benefits. Celebrate by trying this delicious and nutritious recipe: Sweetpotato Cauliflower Tabbouleh. #MediterraneanMonth #BloodPressureEducation #HealthyEating #ncsweetpotatoes

TALKING POINTS y The Mediterranean diet isn’t just about what you eat - it’s a lifestyle that promotes overall cardiovascular health. Emphasizing fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, it encourages a balanced approach to eating. Coupled with regular exercise and mindful life style choices, such as stress reduction and social connections, the Mediterranean diet supports heart health holistically, making it a sustainable and effective way to maintain cardiovascular well-being. y Happy Cinco de Mayo! Did you know salsa can be a sneaky source of sodium? Making your own can help you cut back on salt and boost other heart-healthy nutrients like potassium. This Roasted Sweetpotato Mango Salsa recipe is not only delicious but also packed with potassium- rich ingredients, such as sweetpotatoes and mangos, which can aid in lowering blood pressure. Try our flavorful twist on salsa while supporting your heart health! y Show Mom some love with these veggie-packed Whole Wheat Sweetpotato Zucchini Muffins ! Perfect for Mother’s Day or any day, they’re a delicious way to sneak in extra nutrients. Filled with fiber from the sweetpotatoes, zucchini, and whole wheat flour these muffins are a tasty treat Mom will adore. y Celebrate National Loaded Potato Month with these mouthwatering Fajita Stuffed Sweet potatoes! Packed with flavor and nutrients, they’re a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Pro tip: Make your own fajita seasoning or opt for low-sodium versions to keep salt in check while enjoying these loaded spuds!

Ingredients

• 1 sweetpotato baked or roasted • 2 Cups of chickpeas • 3 cloves of garlic • ⅓ Cup sesame tahini • ¼ Cup olive oil

• 1 Tablespoon harissa • Juice of 1 lemon • Salt to taste • Optional toppings: harissa, sesame seeds, olive oil

TEACHING TOOLS For a quick reference on cutting out “hidden” sodium in your daily foods, we suggest downloading our Teaching Tool: • Salt Free Seasoning Ideas Directions 1. Place the sweetpotato, chickpeas, garlic, tahini, olive oil, harissa and lemon juice in a food processor. 2. Pulse until smooth (adding some of the chickpea water if needed). 3. Taste for seasoning 4. Drizzle with olive oil, and top with sesame seed and harissa (optional) 5. Serve with pita chips and veggie slices and Enjoy!

NEWSLETTER COPY May is Mediterranean Month, a time to celebrate the heart-healthy benefits of the Mediterranean diet. With its emphasis on fresh produce, whole grains, and healthy fats, this diet is not only delicious but also beneficial for cardiovascular health. Sweetpotatoes, a versatile and nutritious ingredient, fit perfectly into Mediterranean- inspired meals, adding flavor and nutritional value to support heart health all month long. Remember, May is also Blood Pressure Education Month, so be sure to get your blood pressure checked and make mindful food choices to support a healthy heart.

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