The Best Lean Meats for Heart Health at our Butcher Shop

A heart-healthy diet starts with the right protein choices. At the butcher shop in your local Niemann Harvest Market location, we take pride in offering fresh, high-quality meats that support your health and well-being. Choosing the right lean meats can help reduce saturated fat intake, while still providing the protein, vitamins, and minerals your body needs for optimal health. The Harvest Market butcher shop has something for everyone, no matter if you prefer chicken, seafood, or turkey. Here’s a guide to the best choices for a heart-smart diet.

Heart-healthy poultry: Lean and protein-packed

Not all cuts of poultry are created equal. It’s important for your heart to choose lean, skinless options. These can provide a great source of protein without excess saturated fat. At our butcher shop, we offer a variety of heart-healthy poultry options, including:

• Skinless chicken breast – A top choice for lean protein, chicken breast is low in saturated fat and an excellent source of niacin and vitamin B6, which support heart health. Skinless chicken breast is endlessly versatile for family-friendly recipes that are good for your health.
• Ground turkey (93% lean or higher) – A great alternative to ground beef, lean ground turkey keeps meals flavorful while reducing fat content. We love using ground turkey in a variety of ways, including chili, turkey burgers, turkey meatballs, and more!
• Skinless turkey breast – Similar to chicken breast, turkey is high in protein and low in fat, making it a smart choice for those looking to maintain a heart-healthy diet. If you’re looking for varied options, it’s a great change of pace from chicken!

What’s the best way to cook your poultry? Grilling, baking, or roasting are the best methods to preserve the nutrition and benefits while staying delicious and healthy.

Fresh seafood: A heart-healthy protein powerhouse

Fish is one of the best proteins you can eat for heart health, as it’s naturally low in saturated fat and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These can help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and support overall cardiovascular health.

We are proud to offer premium, fresh seafood options at our Niemann Harvest Market stores! Selection can vary by season and what’s available and fresh – ask our team for their favorites. You may find these fresh seafood options at our butcher shop:

• Ahi tuna – A lean, protein-rich fish packed with omega-3s. Try it in our Ahi Tuna Power Bowl recipe for a heart-healthy meal!
• Salmon – One of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon supports heart health and provides essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin D.
• Cod – A mild-flavored, lean fish that’s low in fat. Cod is an excellent source of vitamin B12, supporting heart and nerve function.
• Tilapia – A great budget-friendly fish. Tilapia provides lean protein with minimal fat content, and it is a tasty family favorite.

The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fish per week to support heart health. Read more about how eating fish helps your heart from the Mayo Clinic.

Lean red meat options at our Butcher Shop: Choosing the right cuts

Red meat can be good for your heart! We know that red meat can have a bad reputation, but with the right selection of lean cuts, it can be part of a balanced, heart-healthy diet. Look for these leaner options at our butcher shop:

• Sirloin tip steak – A flavorful yet lean cut that’s lower in saturated fat than traditional steaks. Ask about healthy marinade options. Great for the grill!
• Eye of round roast – One of the leanest beef options, great for slow-cooking or roasting. This cut is one of our favorites to make healthy soups and stews.
• Pork tenderloin – The tenderloin is a surprisingly lean cut of pork that provides high-quality protein. This is another cut of meat that’s great on the grill, or simply prepared in the oven with veggies on the side.

A quick tip: grass-fed beef makes a great heart-healthy choice, as it tends to have higher levels of omega-3s and antioxidants compared to conventionally raised beef.

Looking for heart-healthy meat and fish? Visit Niemann Harvest Market!

Making heart-smart choices at our butcher shop is easy! Our unmatched selection of quality lean poultry, fresh seafood, and heart-healthy red meats are ready for you every day. Visit your local Niemann Harvest Market today to find the best selection of high-quality meats to support your heart health and well-being.