If you are aiming towards incorporating heart-healthy foods into your diet, the first thing is to increase your consumption of high-fibre, nutrient-rich foods and fats to lower the likelihood of developing heart disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2020, heart disease was the leading cause of death in the US. The prevention of cardiovascular illness, which includes both heart attacks and strokes, is still a topic of research. However, it is clear that healthy lifestyle choices, such as increasing physical activity, can have a significant impact.
Below are several foods explained by Nutritionists that you can eat to maintain a healthy heart for a long time.
GREEN TEA
There may be considerable health advantages of green tea. Research shows that individuals who drank four or more cups of green tea per day had a 20% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and stroke.
These findings were supported by a letter from 2018 published in the European Journal of
Preventive Cardiology. It suggested that the heart protection of green tea was provided by
polyphenols. These are antioxidants capable of destroying certain substances that may cause heart disease.
COFFEE
Heart-Healthy FoodsThis popular beverage also helps maintain heart health. According to a review from 2018
published in Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, the consumption of coffee lowers the death rate from heart disease. The safest and best positive results are linked with caffeine doses of up to 400mg/day and daily drinking of 2-5 cups of coffee.
It is not necessary to start the habit because of the news though. Continue to enjoy your coffee if you are doing so already and like it. If not, there is no point in the beginning.
However, one thing to remember regarding caffeine is that some individuals digest caffeine more slowly. This is due to genetic variation. In this condition, it may be detrimental to heart health.
BEETS
The beets’ reddish-violet colour comes from betalains. Betalains have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that safeguard several bodily systems, including the cardiovascular.
Beetroot’s natural nitrates help widen blood vessels, therefore blood pressure is lowered. They may also lessen the overstimulation of the nervous system associated with heart disease.
Beets can be shredded or thinly sliced fresh, peeled, and added to salads or mixed into
smoothies. Be aware that increasing your beet intake may cause beeturia. If you notice this, do not be alarmed; it is harmless.
OATMEAL
Soluble fibre is abundant in oatmeal and may decrease cholesterol. Fibre acts like a sponge in the gastrointestinal tract. It soaks up cholesterol so that it is removed from the body and not taken into the bloodstream.
However, it is advisable to avoid instant oatmeal because it contains sugar and choose the old-fashioned oats instead.
FLAX AND CHIA SEEDS
Omega-3 plant-based fatty acids are abundant in flax and chia seeds. This is one of the reasons they are beneficial for your heart. In addition, they contain a lot of fibre.
The seeds can also be consumed in a variety of ways. You may blend them with other heart-healthy foods like fruits, or plant milk to make a smoothie.
POTATOES
Heart-Healthy FoodsThe fact that potatoes are frequently seen as “bad” starch is not a reason to avoid them. Potatoes can be healthy for the heart if they are not deep-fried. They contain a lot of fibre, which lowers the risk of heart disease. Also, they are high in potassium, lowering blood pressure. They most certainly aren’t processed food or refined carbohydrates, therefore offering numerous health benefits.
TOMATOES
Potassium is abundant in tomatoes, just like in potatoes. In addition, they are an excellent source of the antioxidant lycopene. The Harvard Medical School claims lycopene is associated with a decreased risk of stroke.
Lycopene is a carotenoid that lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, maintains blood arteries, and reduces the chances of heart attacks. Furthermore, tomatoes are low in calories and sugar content, and as a result, do not interfere with a balanced diet. They are great for the body in many ways.
BROCCOLI, SPINACH, AND KALE
Vegetables are a great choice when it comes to your health. Dark green vegetables, however, can provide your heart with an extra push. Since they are rich in carotenoids, which function as antioxidants to protect your body from dangerous substances, they are healthy for you. They also have a lot of fibre and are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in kale as well.
LEGUMES
Legumes, which include lentils, peas, and beans, are plants, making them a great source of
protein without bad fat. There is evidence, according to a 2017 analysis published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, that legumes can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
A 2020 study also suggests that beans may assist diabetics in managing their blood sugar levels. In order to prevent diabetes consequences, such as heart disease, blood sugar levels must be brought down.
EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
A 2019 article in the journal Nutrients outlines numerous ways through which extra-virgin oil aids in the prevention of cardiac illnesses.
Monounsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil, are beneficial for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Green and fat olives are a source of “healthy” fat.
CITRUS FRUITS
Studies prove that those who consume large levels of the flavonoids included in citrus fruits have a lesser risk of having a stroke disease. Continue to consume entire citrus fruits, which include fibre, or modest amounts of freshly squeezed 100% citrus juice.
However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that grapefruit products may
impair the effects of some drugs.
AVOCADO
This group of soft, tasty fruits is well known for giving the body and heart-healthy fats. They contain a lot of monounsaturated fat, which helps lower cholesterol and other factors for heart disease.
Avocados are rich in potassium and antioxidants. They can be eaten as they are or combined with some tomatoes to make guacamole. However, they are heavy in calories, so limit your intake.
CHILLI PEPPER
Chilli peppers reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, boosting circulation, and reducing obesity. These hot peppers have been related to extending life expectancy. They possess strong anti-oxidant properties.
Adding hot peppers to the food can give it a taste without having to add salt or sugar. Put
chopped fresh or dried chilli pepper on anything, such as potatoes, black bean soup, and hummus.
NUTS
Nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, and peanuts, include fibre that is excellent for your heart. They also contain vitamin E, which aids in lowering harmful cholesterol. Alpha-linolenic acid, a form of plant-based omega-3 fatty acid is abundant in a specific food, like walnuts. It is linked to enhanced circulation and the reduction of inflammation.
The majority of studies demonstrate that people who eat nuts on a daily basis are thinner than those who do not. Although some people in the past have avoided them due to their greater fat content, individuals who are leaner have a lesser risk of developing heart issues. Pick varieties with a little salt added if you can.
DARK CHOCOLATE
Heart-Healthy FoodsDark chocolate that has at least 60-70% cocoa may be good for the heart. Polyphenols, a class of flavonoids found in dark chocolate, reduce blood pressure, blood clotting, and inflammation. However milk chocolate and a majority of candy bars fall short when it comes to heart health.
GARLIC AND ONIONS
These allium plants have been shown to lessen inflammatory responses in the body, thereby lowering the risk of arterial hardening. They include sulphur compounds, which promote circulation and expand blood vessels.
A 2017 review in the Journal of Hypertension indicated that adult men and women who ate more allium vegetables on a regular basis had a 64% lower risk of cardiovascular disease over a six-year period.
SALMON
The top heart-healthy foods are salmon ad other fatty fish like mackerel and sardines. This is due to the fact that they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Studies show that they reduce triglycerides (fat found in the blood) and the danger of arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat).
Fatty fish should be consumed at least twice per week. Omega-3-rich fish oils are also available as dietary supplements, although, they might not contain the DHA and EPA omega-3s that are unique to fatty fish.
POMEGRANATE
Pomegranates have a lot of antioxidants, including polyphenols and anthocyanins that prevent artery hardening. They exhibit “potent antioxidant activities” according to a review from 2021 that was published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. This indicates that they are protective against coronary heart disease.
Keep in mind that eating a varied diet is diet. Pick apples instead of pomegranates if you don’t like them or can’t afford them.
APPLES
Apples have been shown to lower overall cholesterol. Their prebiotic content also works to
protect the heart. Prebiotics provide “food” for the good bacteria that live in the gut and are associated with cardiovascular health.
A 2012 study of healthy middle-aged adults revealed that eating an apple a day decreased blood levels of a substance linked to artery hardening by 40% over the course of weeks. The study was published in the Journal of Functional Foods. This proof was reinforced by a 2019 literature review done in Current Developments in Nutrition.
For breakfast, chop apples and stir them into oatmeal. For lunch and dinner, you can slice apples and toss them in a stir-fry or a garden salad.
BERRY
The risk of heart disease may be reduced by berries in general. According to a 2013 study
published in the journal Circulation, women between the ages of 25 and 42 who had over three servings of strawberries and blueberries per week had a 32% lower chance of having a heart attack than those who took less. Anthocyanins, antioxidant flavonoids that may lower blood pressure and widen blood vessels, are the substances responsible for this advantage. Berries high in anthocyanins protect against heart diseases. They lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammatory responses in the body.
TAHINI
Five grams of plant protein and three grams of wholesome fibre are found in each two-
a tablespoon serving of this plant butter. It is produced from crushed sesame seeds. Various essential nutrients, such as calcium, zinc, iron, and magnesium, are also provided in addition to antioxidants. The polyphenols in the tahini enhance arterial health and reduce blood cholesterol.
For people with nut allergies or sensitivities, tahini is a great alternative. It is also a fantastic base for creamy, dairy-free dressings and sauces.
