Even though the death toll caused by
heart diseases has fallen over the years, it is still the #1 diseases that causes millions of deaths in over. Do not be afraid, because there are countless ways to prevent heart attacks and strokes, and keep your heart revitalized and healthy. All it takes is mindful eating and a healthy, wholesome diet.
Eating healthy, living wholesomely and working out regularly is all you need to do to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk for contracting heart diseases.
Here are 18 foods that you must add to your diet to keep your heart healthy and strong.
1. Pomegranate
Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, anthocyanin that prevents your arteries from hardening, and polyphenols that are extremely healthy for the heart. A recent study revealed that pomegranate juice, when consumed daily, can improve your blood flow and fortify your heart. However, if you don’t like pomegranates or seek to add more variety in your diet, you can also pick out apples as they are also very heart-friendly.
2. Coffee
Here’s a happy news for coffee lovers, it actually helps you strength your heart and keep it healthy. A study revealed that two cups of coffee everyday can reduce the risk of heart strokes and cardiovascular ailments by 30%. And another study proved that those who consume more than six cups of coffee reduce their risk of dying due to heart disease by 15%. We’re not entirely sure why coffee is so beneficial, but for those of us who simply can’t function without it, this is great new, isn’t it?
3. Oatmeal
Oatmeal clears up your digestive tracts, soak in all the cholesterol and prevent it from entering your bloodstream. It is packed with soluble fiber that works wonders at reducing cholesterol levels and eliminates your risk of contracting heart diseases.
However, be sure to avoid instant oatmeal as it is filled with added sugars. Instead, bring home a box of old fashioned oats and enjoy them for a hearty and healthy breakfast every morning. You can also eat whole grain bread, grits and pasta.
4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are packed with potassium, which is extremely healthy for the heart, along with being extremely rich in lycopene, an antioxidant and carotenoid that expands your blood vessels, eliminates bad cholesterol and reduces your risk for contracting heart diseases.
The best part is, tomatoes really fill you up and they are extremely low in sugars and calories. They can be added to your meals in more delicious ways than one, and they nourish your body thoroughly.
5. Green Tea
Green tea is extremely popular amongst Asians, and it is the primary reason why they’re so fit and lean. Its popularity is also rising in the West and medical researchers are beginning to understand its countless benefits.
Green is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which keep your heart healthy and reduce the risk of death by heart stroke or attack. A recent study revealed that individuals who consume four or more cups of green tea every day tend to lower their risk for heart strokes and cardiovascular ailments by 20%. Avid green tea drinkers enjoy countless health benefits, along with maintaining their desired weight.
6. Olive Oil
Olives are an excellent source of good and healthy fats, and olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which curb blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
A recent study that reviewed the Mediterranean eating habits, which consist of lots of veggies, olive oil, fruits, nuts and grains, and they revealed that 4 tbsp. of olive oil a day reduces the risk of dying due to heart diseases or strokes by 30%. And the best part is, olives have a lovely taste, and they are best ingredient to add to salads, sandwiches and burgers.
7. Soy
Soy products are rich in massive amounts of polyunsaturated fats, which can work wonders to your health and vitality. Products such as tofu and soy milk are devoid of cholesterol and unhealthy fats, and they enrich your diet with huge amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Soy products help reduce and regulate blood pressure levels, along with reducing the LDL or bad cholesterol levels in your body.
8. Green Veggies
Green vegetables such as Broccoli, spinach and kale strengthen and fortify your heart. They are rich in antioxidants called carotenoids, which rid your body of all toxins and harmful compounds.
Vegetables are always good for health, and the best part is, they are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibers. Kale also has a strong profile of omega-3 fatty acids. So, be sure to add more green veggies to your plate, at least a quarter of your plate should be laden with them.
9. Salmon
Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are the healthiest foods for your heart, they are packed with massive quantities of omega-3 fatty acids. Research reveals that salmon and other fatty fish helps reduce the risk of arrhythmia, which is basically an irregular heartbeat, along with lowering the risk of plaque building up in your arteries, also known as atherosclerosis.
You must eat fatty fish at least thrice a week because it also lowers the risk for triglycerides. And if you’re not a big fan of fish, you can always consume omega-3 fatty acids in supplements and capsules.
10. Legumes
Legumes such as peas, lentils and beans are rich in protein and contain lots of healthy fats. These plants help lower and regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, along with reducing the risk of heart disease and its symptoms.
A recent study revealed that individuals who eat legumes four times every week have a 22% lesser risk of contracting heart ailments as opposed to those who ate it once or twice a month.
11. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols, which are flavonoids that help control and reduce clotting, blood pressure levels and inflammation within your body. Chocolates that contain around 60% cocoa are healthy for your heart, and there are countless studies to validate this claim.
A study revealed that eating small portions of dark chocolate everyday can reduce heart strokes and attacks, even amongst individuals who are at high risk to contract cardiovascular ailments. However, candy bars and milk chocolates are not heart-healthy, so be sure to avoid those.
12. Nuts
Nuts such as walnuts, peanuts, almonds, macadamia nuts and pistachio are rich in Vitamin E, which helps reduces bad cholesterol levels and keeps you healthy. Even though some people avoid nuts because they believe they are packed with fats, the truth is that nuts help people lose weight by filling them up and reducing untimely pangs of hunger.
Also, some nuts, such as walnuts, are packed with omega-3 fatty acids that reduce the risk for heart disease, and keep you lean and fit. However, be sure to avoid nuts that are coated in lots of added salt.
13. Citrus Fruits
Citric fruits such as oranges and grapefruits are rich in flavonoids, and women who eat lots of these citrus treats lower their risk of ischemic stroke by 19%.
Citrus fruits are also packed with vitamin C, which works wonders to lower the risk for heart diseases. However, grapefruit products can interfere with the effectiveness of statins, which are medicines that lower cholesterol. Also, avoid citrus juices because they are packed with added sugars.
14. Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are extremely popular amongst health nuts, because these seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are extremely beneficial and healthy for your heart. They are also rich in fiber, which makes them even healthier for lowering cholesterol levels and keeping you fit.
You can eat flax seeds in countless ways, for instance, pair them up with oatmeal, blueberries, other fruits and soy milk to make a delicious smoothie, or just toss them into a salad.
15. Berries
Berries are packed with anthocyanin, and rich with antioxidants called flavonoids, which help dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure levels. Blueberries, cranberries and strawberries are extremely good for health, and they enrich your body with healthy fats.
A recent study just revealed that women who consumed more than three servings of strawberries and blueberries every week tended to have a 32% lesser risk for heart disease.
16. Potatoes
Even though popular belief is that potatoes are filled with bad starch, which can be harmful for the heart. But the truth is that potatoes are not junk food and they do not contain any refined carbs, in fact, they are actually very beneficial for the heart, as long as you don’t deep fry them.
Potatoes are rich in fiber and potassium, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease, along with lowering your blood pressure levels and countless other health benefits.
17. Avocado
Avocados are rich in antioxidants, potassium and monounsaturated fats, which work to lower the risk of heart disease, along with your cholesterol levels. They also have remarkable weight loss benefits, and they enrich your heart and body with healthy fats.
You can always eat them fresh and raw, add them to a salad, or pair them with tomatoes and other veggies.
18. Red Wine
Red wine is rich in a polyphenol called resveratrol, which is beneficial for health when consumed in moderation. In fact, moderate quantities of any alcohol, be it whiskey or brandy, are considered beneficial in curbing and lowering the risk of heart disease.
However, more than two drinks every day can increase this risk. Even coffee works the same way, however, this should not be a pretext to start stocking up on liquor because there are several other non-alcoholic sources, for instance grapes and organic peanut butter.