A strong heart depends on regular consumption of heart-healthy foods. With just the right amount of planning, you need not invest a fortune to ensure that your are getting the best nutrition that safeguards your heart, or those of your family members.
Being informed about which healthy foods (including condiments and heart-healthy edible oils) your body needs will go a long way in creating a strong and healthy heart.
Food in its natural form is ideal. Fresh produce present the cornerstone for a heart-healthy diet, helping annihilate free radicals in the bloodstream, saving blood vessels from undue harm. Indeed, fresh foods laden with antioxidants and heart-healthy fats can substantially cut the risk of developing heart disease. Even when eating out, you can ensure that you and your family get a heaping of top healthy foods. Choose restaurants that offer a wide variety of wholesome food options choices.
Some delectable heart-healthy foods include:
Avocados
With its monounsaturated fat, this wonder fruit aids in lowering LDL levels while raising HDL cholesterol in the body.
Oatmeal/Oats
Loaded with fiver, oats can keep your brain fed all morning if you eat it for breakfast . Oatmeal/oats are also good sources of the B vitamins as well as vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, folate, potassium and zinc which enable the body to function at optimum capacity. You can top your oatmeal with other heart-healthy foodstuff like dried fruit and soymilk, a drizzle of honey, fresh banana or sliced almonds.
Berries
Berries contain high levels of antioxidants, particularly cancer-fighting vitamin C. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries contain anti-inflammatory properties which reduce your risk of heart disease. Go for the real thing for optimum health.
Salmon
This fatty fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that are not only essential for brain functioning but also effectively decrease blood pressure. Salmon’s carotenoid astaxanthin, is a very powerful antioxidant. The most nutritious variety would be wild salmon. Farm-raised salmon tends to be packed with chemicals and heavy metals. There are other oily fish like sardines which offer heart-boosting benefits.
From asparagus to sweet potatoes to fruits and vegetables of various colors, shapes, sizes, there’s a wide selection of heart-healthy foods and it pays to know and eat them regularly.