Consuming a heart-healthy diet can help minimize or eliminate risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet has an impact on your heart health.A heart-healthy diet can help reduce or eliminate risk factors for heart disease, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight, and blood sugar levels.
Foods that promote heart health:
1. Salmon and tuna
These fish are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower blood pressure and lessen the risk of cardiac rhythm problems. If you are a vegetarian, consider tofu as a substitute.
2. Olive oil
This oil contains antioxidants that help preserve your blood vessels. Replace saturated fats, such as butter, with olive oil to decrease cholesterol.
3. Walnuts and almonds
A little handful of these nuts per day can help decrease cholesterol and protect your heart's arteries from inflammation. Walnuts also contain omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Oranges
This citrus fruit contains cholesterol-fighting fibers and potassium, which can help control or even lower your blood pressure.
5. Avocados
Avocados are high in heart-healthy fats, which help to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
6. Dark chocolate
Consuming dark chocolate in moderation can improve your heart health and lessen your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Choose a dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to reap the advantages.
7. Low-fat yogurt
Dairy not only strengthens your bones but also helps to control your blood pressure. Low-fat choices assist increase calcium consumption while reducing fat.
8. Cherries
Cherries include an antioxidant that protects the blood vessels and reduces inflammation.
9. Dark leafy greens
Greens contain vitamins, minerals, and nitrates, which assist open blood arteries and allow oxygen-rich blood to reach your heart. Dark leafy greens include spinach, lettuce, arugula, bok choy, and mustard greens.
10. Black beans
Black beans contain antioxidants, folate, and magnesium, which can help decrease blood pressure. Do not forget to rinse canned black beans to remove any excess salt.
Other healthy foods to consider:
- Blueberries
- Sweet potatoes
- Seeds
- Oatmeal
- Edamame
- Green tea
- Garlic
Consider putting some of these heart-healthy goods in your cart the next time you go grocery shopping.
If you have a history of heart disease or want to improve your health, make an appointment with your provider to talk about lifestyle modifications.
References:
10 foods to improve your heart health | University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
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