Heart-healthy foods can strengthen your heart and protect you from heart diseases. What are the best foods for a healthy heart? Keep reading to find out!
Heart diseases are the leading cause of death globally resulting in reportedly 17.9 million deaths per year according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
World Heart Day is an annual event observed on 29th September aimed to spread awareness regarding heart diseases and conditions and how they can be prevented.
Some common heart conditions include:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Cardiovascular diseases
- High blood pressure
- Angina
- Arrhythmia
A diet that includes heart-healthy foods can lessen the risk of heart illnesses, diseases, and conditions.
The top 10 heart-healthy foods are:
Table of Contents
1. Olive oil
Olive oil is incredibly beneficial for your heart health. It is rich in antioxidants which can minimize the risk of heart disease and reduce inflammation.
2. Leafy greens
Adding leafy green vegetables to your diet can do wonders for your heart health. They are rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants and may lower the risk of heart disease.
Moreover, leafy green vegetables contain nitrates that aid in controlling blood pressure.
3. Fish
Eating fish is surprisingly good for your heart. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce blood pressure and protect you from a multitude of heart diseases.
Even if you don’t eat fish directly you can always consume fish products like fish oil or fish oil supplements to keep your heart healthy.
4. Beans
Beans can have remarkable benefits for your heart. They are composed of resistant starch and help reduce the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Eating beans can also reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure. This can significantly lower the risk of heart disease.
5. Walnuts
Walnuts are one of the best heart healthy foods out there. They are rich in nutrients like fiber, magnesium, manganese, copper, etc.
Walnuts are linked to a lower risk of heart disease. They can also reduce bad LDL cholesterol in the blood.
6. Oranges
Oranges are one of the best fruits for a healthy heart. They contain pectin and potassium that help manage blood pressure. Orange juice is also linked to better blood vessel health.
7. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are great for your heart health. Lycopene which is an antioxidant found in tomatoes can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Consuming tomatoes can also reduce inflammation and neutralize harmful free radicals.
8. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate can have surprising benefits for your heart. Being rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, it can reduce the risk of heart disease according to studies.
However, be advised that chocolate also contains a ton of calories along with sugar so you need to be a little cautious when it comes to your chocolate intake.
9. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is packed with soluble fiber that can boost your heart health. It also reduces LDL cholesterol in the blood thereby minimizing the risk of heart diseases.
10. Green tea
Sipping on a cup of green tea can protect you against heart diseases. It contains catechins, polyphenols and can promote fat burning and reduce LDL cholesterol and inflammation. It also helps reduce blood pressure.
Conclusion
Heart-healthy foods ensure that your heart remains healthy and lower your chances of developing serious heart conditions.
For any type of heart disease or concern, it is advised to consult the best cardiologist in Lahore, Karachi, or Islamabad using oladoc.com for easy appointment booking with no additional charges.
