What we eat, how much we eat, and when we eat, our overall diet greatly impacts our health. Food habits can keep you healthy and happy. On the other hand, they can also make you sick and make your body prone to certain types of disease. This is why doctors or other health experts always advise maintaining a healthy diet. A healthy heart is a key to a healthy life. Globally, almost one-third of the deaths are caused due to heart diseases. Certain types of foods directly affect an individual’s blood pressure level, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels, which impact the heart’s health.
Listed below are five superfoods for a healthy heart:
- Dark green-leafy vegetables- Green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, lettuce, and kale are enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Vitamin-K is an important compound found in green vegetables, which is highly beneficial for blood circulation and the heart’s arteries. They also reduce the risks of heart diseases.
- Beans- Beans are a great source of protein. They are rich in fibre, minerals, and iron. They also contain resistant starch, which helps in reducing high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Oats- Oats are a good source of whole grains. They do not contain any sodium, sugar, or preservatives. Oats are full of fibre, and fibre is easily digestible, reducing the chances of heart attacks or strokes. You can replace Oats with any other form of carbohydrate or grains.
- Berries- Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are enriched with antioxidants and anthocyanin. They protect the heart from developing a disease, lower blood pressure and protect the blood vessels.
- Nuts (Almond and Walnuts)- Walnuts are high in fibre and magnesium. It reduces cholesterol and lowers blood pressure. Almonds are also full of vitamins and minerals, which help in reducing the risk of developing heart disease.
There are many other healthy choices as well when it comes to choosing for a healthy heart. However, it is always advised to pay close attention to what you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat. Choosing healthy food options alone is not enough. The amount of food being consumed and each meal’s timing-the gap between each meal is also equally crucial for a healthy life and a balanced diet.
