As more people want to live more healthily, the need for heart-healthy eating becomes more important than ever. Cardiovascular diseases, which are closely tied to unhealthy diets and lifestyle habits, are still one of the biggest health issues globally. So to really make an impactful change, it’s time to say goodbye to unhealthy choices and hello to nutritious culinary delights.
To address this, pharmaceutical company Pharma Dynamics has launched an innovative culinary initiative that blends the best of gastronomy and heart health – the Hearty Collection.
The Hearty Collection is not just a cookbook, but a movement designed to inspire South Africans to make healthier food choices while still enjoying indulgent, flavourful meals. This initiative draws inspiration from the acclaimed Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, known for its scientifically proven benefits in promoting cardiovascular wellness and preventing chronic diseases.
The DASH diet: a foundation for heart health
The DASH diet was originally developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to combat hypertension. Over the years, numerous studies have demonstrated its efficacy not only in lowering blood pressure but also in improving overall cardiovascular health.
The diet emphasises consuming nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, all of which are high in potassium, calcium, and magnesium – key minerals that help regulate blood pressure.
Additionally, the diet focuses on reducing the intake of sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars, all of which are detrimental to heart health.
Nicole Jennings, Pharma Dynamics’ spokesperson, underscores their commitment to raising awareness about the crucial role food plays in managing cardiovascular diseases.
“Hearty stands as a testament to Pharma Dynamics’ longstanding commitment to fostering healthier lifestyles and combating chronic diseases, beyond just providing medication,” Jennings says.
A culinary collaboration with the best in the business
The Hearty Collection collaborated with South Africa’s culinary elite, each of whom has received the prestigious Gourmand World Cookbook Award. The collection features exclusive gourmet recipes crafted by renowned chefs and food writers Monché Muller, Zola Nene, Herman Lensing, Isabella Niehaus, and Heleen Meyer.
These culinary experts have lent their skills and creativity to developing dishes that are not only delicious but also heart-friendly, proving that nutritious eating can still be indulgent.
Chef Zola Nene says she is always inspired by seasonal produce and is influenced by the nostalgia of the food she grew up eating.
Nene shares her delight in being part of the Hearty Collection. “ I was thrilled to be invited by Pharma Dynamics to join the team for this project to show that healthy food doesn’t mean boring or tasteless,” says Nene.
“And that with just a few tweaks and being mindful of the ingredients you choose, you can turn your favourite seven colour favourites into healthier alternatives without compromising on flavour or colour.
Chef Zola Nene
Jennings explains that each recipe has been rigorously vetted and approved by the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA), further reinforcing the collection’s focus on nutritional value and heart health.
Prof Pamela Naidoo, CEO of the HSFSA, highlights the significance of this partnership. “The Hearty collection of recipes raises the importance of knowing that health outcomes rely on a healthy heart and brain, and it fits seamlessly with the Foundation’s mascot, Hearty, which is a symbol of good heart health!” says Naidoo.
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A celebration of flavour and wellness
The recipes featured in the Hearty Collection emphasise ingredients naturally high in essential nutrients, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and fibre, while minimising salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats (saturated and trans fats). This aligns perfectly with the DASH diet’s guidelines, offering a culinary roadmap to better heart health.
“For many years, healthy living has been associated with dieting, which often carries negative connotations of deprivation,” says Jennings. “This unique collection is a celebration of food and a testament to the joy of nourishing ingredients. Drawing inspiration from the DASH diet, Hearty aims to make nutritious eating not only beneficial but also indulgently enjoyable.”
Healthy and hearty recipe
Try chef Zola Nene’s seared salmon with beet and sprout slaw. It is packed with calcium, potassium and magnesium.
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Salmon with beet and sprout slaw
Ingredients
- 2 x 200g Salmon fillets
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- SLAW
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup julienne carrot
- ½ cup julienne beetroot
- Handful mixed sprouts
Instructions
1. Place the salmon onto a plate, then top with garlic, ginger, honey, soy sauce and sesame oil. Roll the salmon in the flavours, then set aside to marinate while you make the slaw.
2. In a bowl, combine the rice vinegar, salt, honey and a grinding of black pepper; stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the cabbage, carrot, beetroot and sprouts then toss well to dress.
3. Heat a pan, and add olive oil. Sear the salmon for 4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked to your liking. Serve with the slaw.
