burgers

If you’re concerned about heart disease, a healthy diet can help with your prevention efforts. At Matthews Internal Medicine, we do everything that we can to help our patients reduce their chances of developing heart disease. One thing we suggest is adding more healthy foods to your diet, and one fun way to do that is by learning to cook new things. These turkey sliders, for example, come packed with nutrients and heart-healthy ingredients, but they don’t sacrifice flavor. If you’re looking for a healthy, filling dinner option, these burgers might just fit the bill.

 

Ingredients

  • 8 whole-grain slider buns
  • 1 1/4 pounds ground, skinless turkey breast
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sliced brown (crimini) mushrooms
  • 4 slices low-fat Swiss cheese
  • 2 small avocados (mashed with a fork)
  • 1 medium tomato, cut into 8 slices (about 1/4-inch thick)

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
  • Spread the avocado on the top of each slider bun and add the Swiss cheese and tomato slices. Put these aside for now.
  • Form the turkey into eight patties, around three inches in diameter. Keep in mind that they’ll shrink as they cook. Sprinkle salt over each patty.
  • Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle pan over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the patties for two to three minutes on each side, or until they’re no longer pink in the center and they read at 145 degrees on a food thermometer.
  • Transfer the turkey sliders to the bottoms of the buns.
  • Now cook the mushrooms over medium heat for about three minutes stirring occasionally. When they’re soft, they’re ready to eat.
  • Top each patty with the mushrooms, and then put the top buns (with the cheese, avocado, and tomato) on each slider.
  • Place the sliders on a baking sheet in the oven and cook for one to two minutes, or until the Swiss cheese melts.

Why This Meal?

We chose this recipe for a reason. In addition to being delicious, these turkey sliders are topped with a variety of ingredients that promote heart health. The turkey itself is leaner than beef, making these a more healthy option already. The whole-grain buns contain a lot of fiber, which can help reduce heart disease. Multiple studies have shown that adding more whole grains to your diet can help your heart health.

Then we have the toppings. The tomatoes contain antioxidants that can prevent inflammation, which can contribute to heart disease. The avocados contain heart-healthy “good” fats that have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. They also contain potassium, which can reduce blood pressure. Even the Swiss cheese is a healthy option, because its low sodium content makes it ideal for patients who worry about high blood pressure or heart disease.

 

Your Heart Disease Prevention Team in Matthews, NC

A healthy diet is one important part of your heart disease prevention efforts, and our internists can help you figure out more ways to avoid this ailment and live a healthier life. Contact Matthews Internal Medicine today and keep an eye on our blog for more advice, recipes, and healthy tips!