February is Heart Health Month, a time to think about how we care for our hearts in everyday ways. For many Native communities, heart health is deeply connected to food access, cultural knowledge, and the ability to return to traditional ways of eating. At SweetGrass Trading Company, this month is a reminder of how important Indigenous foods and food sovereignty are to long-term wellness.
Heart disease continues to affect Native communities at higher rates, and while there is no single solution, food plays an important role. Traditional Indigenous diets focused on whole, nutrient-rich foods that supported the body long before processed foods became common. Reconnecting with those foods can be a meaningful step toward better heart health.
Traditional foods that support heart health
Many Indigenous foods naturally support heart health by helping reduce inflammation, support healthy cholesterol levels, and provide essential nutrients.
- Wild Rice
Wild rice has been a staple food for many Indigenous nations for generations. It is high in fiber, contains antioxidants, and is naturally low in fat. These qualities make it a heart-friendly choice that also supports digestion and overall wellness.
- Buffalo (Bison)
Buffalo is a lean protein with less saturated fat than beef and higher levels of iron and omega-3 fatty acids. For Plains tribes, buffalo has always been central to both survival and culture. Today, it remains a nutritious option that supports heart health while honoring traditional food systems.
- Native berries and Indigenous superfoods
Berries such as chokecherries and other wild-harvested fruits are rich in antioxidants. These nutrients help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.
- Herbal teas and wellness products
Indigenous herbs have long been used to support circulation, manage stress, and promote balance in the body. Drinking herbal teas can be a simple, daily way to support heart health.
Heart health is also shaped by stress, connection, and access to culturally relevant foods. Supporting Native-owned businesses helps strengthen community-based food systems that prioritize wellness, sustainability, and cultural knowledge. When you shop with SweetGrass Trading Company, you are supporting Indigenous producers, farmers, and makers who are working to restore traditional foodways and create healthier futures for their communities.
Simple, everyday choices
Caring for your heart does not have to be complicated. Small changes can add up over time, like cooking with whole ingredients, choosing lean proteins, drinking herbal teas, and learning more about Indigenous food traditions.
This February, we invite you to honor Heart Health Month by making choices that support your well-being and the well-being of Indigenous communities. Traditional foods have nourished our people for generations, and they continue to offer strength, balance, and care today.