HEART-HEALTHY FOODS

by Steel Jones

Heart disease is one of the major causes of death worldwide and your diet greatly influences your heart conditions as well as your chances of suffering heart disease.

 

Certain foods affect your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and inflammation, which are all factors that can influence the condition of your heart negatively if not being monitored carefully. These are some foods that you should be consuming for optimal heart health.

 

Leafy Green Vegetables

 

Green vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collard greens are popularly acknowledged for their richness of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Particularly, they are excellent food sources of vitamin K. This antioxidant aids protection of your blood vessels and proper blood clotting. These vegetables are as well revealed to lower blood pressure, reduce arterial solidity, and enhance the process of cells lining your blood vessels. Consuming more leafy green vegetables has been analyzed to reduce the chances of heart disease.

 

Whole Grains

 

Basic types of whole-grain are whole wheat, brown rice, oatmeal, rye, barley, buckwheat, and quinoa.

 

In comparison to whole grains, they are high fiber food, which aids the reduction of bad cholesterol and reduces the chances of suffering heart disease. Incorporating more whole grains into your diet is beneficial for your heart. Consuming about three portions of whole grains every day could reduce the chances of heart disease.

 

Berries

 

fresh berries in bowls

Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are richly packed with key nutrients that greatly influence your heart health. These berries are as well filled with antioxidants such as anthocyanins, this antioxidant fights against oxidative tension and inflammation increase the risk of heart disease. Consuming berries daily lowers the chances of heart disease and supports the operation of cells lining the blood vessels, resulting in regulated blood pressure. Berries could be low-calorie snack options.

 

Avocados

 

They are food sources of monounsaturated fats. They are said to lower cholesterol levels and the chances of heart disease. Avocados are as well richly filled with potassium which is an essential nutrient for your heart health.

 

Fatty Fish & Fish Oil

 

Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines are filled with omega-3 fatty acids that are very beneficial for the heart.  Consuming fish regularly lowers cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and systolic blood pressure. Fish oil could be a seafood replacement for acquiring your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Dietary supplements of fish oil have been revealed to enhance the function of the arteries and reduce blood pressure.

 

Walnuts

 

These are excellent sources of fiber and other nutrients such as magnesium, copper, and manganese.

 

Eating walnuts daily could assist in fighting heart disease, reduce bad LDL cholesterol, and reduce diastolic blood pressure and inflammation.

 

Beans

edamame

Beans contain resistant starch which has been studied to maintain a healthy heart by lowering blood cholesterol levels. Consuming beans reduces your chances of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and inflammation.

 

Dark Chocolate

 

It is filled with antioxidants such as flavonoids are important for a healthy heart. Eating chocolate has been analyzed to reduce the chances of coronary heart disease. When purchasing chocolate, get high-quality chocolates with at least 70% cocoa content.

 

Tomatoes

 

They are filled with lycopene, which is a natural constituent in a plant containing strong antioxidants.

 

Antioxidants aid in fighting harmful free radicals, therefore preventing inflammation and in all protecting your heart from related diseases. If your blood contains low levels of lycopene, there is a higher chance that you might have a heart attack or stroke. A research report revealed that eating up to two raw tomatoes, four times weekly raised “good” HDL cholesterol levels in the body system.

 

Garlic

 

Garlic has a lot of remedial properties for treating a variety of complications. Recent research has revealed that garlic has a strong effect on your body and could even aid the maintenance of a healthy heart.

 

This is because of its allicin, a compound that possesses several therapeutic effects. Garlic is effective for lowering blood pressure.

 

 

Olive Oil

 

It is filled with antioxidants that reduce inflammation and lower your chances of chronic disease. It is as well highly packed with monounsaturated fatty acids known for improving heart conditions.

 

Also, increased consumption of olive oil reduces your chances of dying due to a heart complication.

 

Green Tea

 

Green tea is known for its fat-burning properties and enhanced insulin sensitivity. It as well contains antioxidants that fight against cell damage, lower inflammation, and protect your heart health. Consuming more green tea greatly reduces levels of good cholesterol.

 

 

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