{"id":19652,"date":"2025-10-19T09:00:55","date_gmt":"2025-10-19T13:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/?p=19652"},"modified":"2025-10-13T06:49:42","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T10:49:42","slug":"a-cardiologist-shares-the-one-food-she-always-stocks-in-her-pantry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/nutrition\/food\/a-cardiologist-shares-the-one-food-she-always-stocks-in-her-pantry-19652\/","title":{"rendered":"A cardiologist shares the one food she always stocks in her pantry"},"content":{"rendered":"

When a cardiologist chooses a pantry staple, it’s worth paying attention. After all, heart health depends heavily on diet, and small daily choices can have long-term effects on cholesterol, blood pressure<\/strong><\/a>, and weight.<\/p>\n

For Danielle Belardo, M.D.<\/strong><\/a>, a preventive cardiologist in Los Angeles, the go-to item is legume-based pasta<\/strong>. Here, we’ll cover why she recommends it, what makes it good for your heart, and how to bring it into your own kitchen. Let’s get started.<\/p>\n

Why legume-based pasta<\/h2>\n

Dr. Belardo keeps legume-based pasta on hand because it’s an easy swap that offers big nutritional advantages. Instead of being made from refined wheat, these pastas use beans and lentils like chickpeas, black beans, edamame, and mung beans<\/strong>. That shift means more fiber, more plant-based protein, and more staying power after a meal.<\/p>\n

Legume-based pasta is “nutrient-dense, easy to prepare, and aligned with the principles of evidence-based heart-healthy eating”, says Belardo. Research supports her point. Multiple studies link legume consumption to better lipid profiles and lower rates of coronary heart disease<\/strong>. One analysis even found that eating legumes 4 times per week was associated with a 22% lower risk of heart disease compared to eating them once.<\/p>\n

A big reason is soluble fiber. Legumes are loaded with it, and it helps lower LDL cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, and support digestive health<\/strong>. That’s why cardiologists often encourage beans and lentils as part of the Mediterranean diet<\/strong><\/a> and DASH diet, two eating patterns proven to reduce cardiovascular risk. For patients who don’t eat whole beans regularly, legume-based pasta offers a practical and approachable way to start.<\/p>\n

Simple ways to add this food to your meals<\/h2>\n

Legume-based pasta cooks just like regular pasta and works in many of the same dishes. Here are some easy ways you can incorporate them into your meals if you’re not used to them:<\/p>\n