Heart healthy foods

The food we consume is getting farther away from nature. Grocery store shelves are filled with processed foods with preservatives and additives that are hard to pronounce. When we’re not buying food at the store, it’s a cheeseburger and fries for dinner. 

When you think about the effect this type of diet can have on your health, it’s troubling. It’s a little wonder the rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other metabolic diseases have increased steadily over the last few years.

To avoid being part of these statistics, you can start bringing your diet more in line with nature, and that means eating more fruits and vegetables. 

Here are some of the heart healthy foods categorized in 4 groups; whole wheat, protein foods, vegetables and fruits.

10 Heart-healthy whole wheat foods


Heart healthy foods

  1. Oatmeal- Is a good source of beta-glucan fiber, a form of soluble fiber that is linked to improving LDL and total cholesterol levels
  2. Brown rice- Contains high levels of magnesium, which can help make you less vulnerable to heart disease and stroke.
  3. Rye bread- Researchers found that rye bread was more effective at lowering cholesterol levels in men than wheat bread and reduced total and LDL (bad) cholesterol by up to 14% and 12%, respectively (NCBI).
  4. Whole grain barley- barley's is high in  fiber  and may bring blood pressure levels down 
  5. Bulgur- Is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fiber-rich foods like bulgur may reduce chronic disease risk, promote weight loss, and improve digestion and gut health
  6. Quinoa- Is rich in antioxidants, which can prevent damage to your heart and other organs
  7. Whole wheat bread- Whole grains have three parts: bran, germ, and the starchy endosperm. Refined grains are stripped of bran and germ. This takes away nearly all the fiber and nutrients and leaves behind nearly all the calories. All three parts of whole grains provide fiber that keeps arteries healthy.
  8. Couscous- The selenium in couscous may help lower your risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in your body. Its antioxidant function can also help reduce the buildup of plaque and “bad” LDL cholesterol on artery veins and walls
  9. Amaranth- The rich potassium levels found in amaranth grain further boost heart health by relaxing the blood vessels.
  10. Sorghum- Helps lower harmful LDL cholesterol because it's a whole grain that has many bioactive compounds linked to cholesterol-lowering properties, including plant sterols.


10 Heart-healthy Protein foods


Heart healthy foods

  • Salmon and tuna- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fats, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), may help prevent blood clots, stabilize dangerous heart rhythms, and improve blood pressure.
  •  Nuts- may Lower your low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol and triglyceride levels
  • Black Beans- packed with heart-healthy nutrients. Folate, antioxidants, and magnesium can help lower blood pressure. Their fiber helps control both cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
  • White-Meat Poultry- White meat has less fat and fewer calories.
  • Low- fat dairy- The name says it all.
  • Lean beef- Is good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, niacin, zinc and iron. In conclusion, lean red meat, trimmed of visible fat, which is consumed in a diet low in saturated fat does not increase cardiovascular risk factors
  • Tofu- Rich in isoflavones – an estrogen-like substance made by soy plants – could lower risk of heart disease, particularly in younger and postmenopausal women.
  • Pork Tenderloin- Pork tenderloin is now certified with the American Heart Association's “Heart Check” mark, indicating it qualifies as an extra-lean, heart-healthy protein.
  • Eggs- Eggs are great nutrition. They’re considered the highest form of complete protein, containing all of the essential amino acids. One large egg, for example, contains 6 g of protein and 14 important nutrients—including folate, iron, zinc, choline, and vitamins A, B12, D, and E—all for just 70 calories.
  • Soy- Good source of polyunsaturated fat. Polyunsaturated fats have a number of heart health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol.


5 Heart-healthy vegetables


Heart healthy foods

  • Brussels sprouts- Great source of folic acid, fiber and other nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C. Broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts are cruciferous vegetables, along with cauliflower and cabbage.
  • Tomatoes- Prime sources of the antioxidant lycopene. Tomatoes are also high in vitamin C and fiber
  • Carrots- Rich in carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants that combat free radicals that cause heart disease.
  • Garlic- Contains phytochemicals that boost immunity and protect the heart against diseases.
  • Onions- Are a rich source of sulphur-containing phytochemicals. These phytochemicals reduce cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease.


Heart- healthy fruits

  • Grapefruits- Rich in potassium, a nutrient which acts as a stabiliser for blood pressure. In addition, the grapefruit is a good source of antioxidants and flavonoids which help reduce oxidation and inflammation, both of which, are underlying causes of heart diseases.
  • BERRIES- Rich source of nutrients that are your heart’s best friends. Berries help in reducing bad cholesterol levels and inflammation. Berries have anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that helps maintain oxidative stress to the minimum.
  • AVOCADOS- Provide a good amount of monounsaturated fats that are often linked to a healthy level of cholesterol and a reduced risk of heart disease. In addition, avocados also are rich in potassium. According to Healthline, one avocado can supply 974 milligrams of potassium.
  • WATERMELONS- Watermelons are believed to lower the damage caused by free radicals in the body. This juicy fruit contains citrulline, which helps in lowering blood pressure and contains antioxidants.
  • POMEGRANATE- Pomegranate may prevent the damage done to arterial walls and improve blood flow to the heart. Pomegranate is also believed to be effective against atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds inside your arteries.

Conclusion

Adopting a heart-healthy diet is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your cardiovascular health. By focusing on whole wheat foods, lean proteins, vibrant vegetables, and nutrient-rich fruits, you can nourish your body with the essential nutrients it needs to maintain a strong and healthy heart. 

Incorporating these foods into your daily meals can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol levels, and improve overall well-being. Small changes in your diet today can lead to significant improvements in your health tomorrow. 

Start by choosing more of these heart-healthy foods, and take control of your heart health one meal at a time.


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