Having a healthy heart is one of the most important factors to live a long and healthy life. But just working out and avoiding fast food isn’t the only key ingredient to making sure that your heart is in tip-top shape. What you put in your body can not only contribute to making your heart strong and healthy, but can help you fight against high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and inflammation, all of which contribute to diseases and heart attacks. These 10 foods will put you on the right track to a stronger and healthier heart and life.
Oatmeal
To ensure you are starting your morning off right, have a bowl of oatmeal that’ll give you long lasting results. High in fiber, oatmeal helps absorb cholesterol so that it stops it from going into your bloodstream that can lead to high cholesterol and an unhealthy heart.
Berries
A great addition to that morning oatmeal are some berries on top. Berries, such as blueberries and strawberries, give your body what it needs to help lower blood pressure and your risk of a heart attack. Not to mention, they are packed with antioxidants that help strengthen your memory.
Nuts
A variety of nuts (such as pistachios, almonds, cashews, and walnuts) offer great health benefits as they are packed with protein and nutrients that give you what your body needs. Pistachios, for one, have been linked to reducing the tightening of blood vessels, heart rate, cholesterol, and blood pressure. To say that they are a contributor to heart health is an understatement!
Avocados
Although this famous fruit is known for being packed with fat, it should never be overlooked. Avocados have an abundant amount of fatty acids that are proven to lower your cholesterol and help maintain its good level, as well as help lower blood pressure. So next time they tell you that adding avocado will be an extra dollar, it’s definitely worth it if it’s saving your life.
Low-Fat Yogurt
Dairy products, such as yogurt, contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are all important factors when it comes to regulating blood pressure. When choosing your yogurt of choice, we always recommend opting for the low-fat options. Foods that are high in saturated fats can increase your cholesterol, rather than decrease it.
Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are making a comeback in the cooking world and we are certainly glad they are. Packed with vitamins, these little guys pack a punch when it comes to its heart-healthy benefits. Brussels sprouts lower inflammation in the cardiovascular system and improve your blood vessels.
Salmon
Filled with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is at the front of the line when it comes to protecting your heart. Among the benefits, omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to lower inflammation, blood pressure, and blood clots, as well as prevent heart attacks. If fish just isn’t your food of choice, we recommend trying a supplement made from fish oil.
Oranges
If you’re looking for a little tang, oranges can be your perfect snack when looking to improve your heart. Oranges have been linked to a reduction of artery inflammation (a common cause of heart disease) and can improve blood flow to your heart. Not to mention, its Vitamin C is a great contributor to protecting you from a stroke.
Potatoes
Although given a bad reputation because of French fries, potatoes are actually a heart-healthy food that can help you and your heart. For one, they are packed with potassium that helps lower blood pressure. And secondly, since they are high in fiber, they can even lower the risk of heart disease. Just make sure you’re cooking them as is and not deep frying them to turn them into a heart attack meal.
Apples
As we’re sure you’ve heard before, “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.” While this age-old saying seems past its prime, there’s actually a lot of truth behind it. Apples block intake of cholesterol while also wiping existing cholesterol away. And forget about peeling your apples because the skin of an apple is actually the strongest part!
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