Coronary heart disease remains the top killer in the whole world, accounting for millions of deaths each year despite advanced medical technology and breakthrough drug research. This comes as no surprise considering the unhealthy lifestyle people are practicing today.
The number of heart-related deaths each year rises, and at the alarming rate it continues to rise, medical professionals are actively promoting healthy living in addition to medications to combat various heart ailments and conditions.
According to experts, diet is essential to preventing heart attacks and maintaining heart health. In more traditional times when processed foods were unheard of, cases of heart disease were very seldom. This can be attributed to healthy eating, consisting of fruits, vegetables, and fish produce – a natural diet that promotes heart health.
Now then, a diet consisting of the best combination of superfoods can help protect your heart from these killer diseases and keep it healthy. Check your list if you’re eating these superfoods, and get started now:
Kale
When it comes to heart heart-promoting sources, vegetables are the number one go-to source. Kale leads among vegetables with its carotenoid and omega-3 fatty acid contents. Kale has vitamin K, a nutrient vital for proper blood clotting and provides protection for your arteries, so it does not clog up easily.
Garlic
For thousands of years, garlic has been used as an all-around tonic, but recent studies have shown that its allicin contents promote a healthy heart. It lowers bad cholesterol levels and slows down blood platelet buildup to prevent strokes from occurring.
Avocado
Another nutrient abundant in avocado is potassium. This heart health essential nutrient lessens the hazards of heart stroke. Avocado is a delicious fruit that can provide healthy fats, fiber, and various nutrients that may lower the risk of coronary heart disease and support heart health.
Berries
Flavonoids, a type of polyphenolic compound, have antioxidant powers. This compound can be found copiously in berries – blueberries, raspberries, goji berries, blackberries, mulberries, and these fruits can all promote heart health. Beyond the usual heart benefits, the flavonoids in berries de-clog arteries and widen blood vessels for better circulation. It’s a known fact that antioxidants shield against oxidative stress and inflammation, which is a contributor to heart ailments.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are the leading source of omega-3 fatty acids. To boot, it is rich in soluble fiber antioxidants and a host of other nutrients. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids help lower cholesterol levels by lowering blood triglyceride levels. Its antioxidant content promotes a healthy heart. The soluble fiber lowers cholesterol levels too.
Pomegranate
Among the many heart-healthy promoting antioxidants, pomegranate contains anthocyanins and polyphenols in abundance. These compounds have been shown to promote better blood flow to the heart and hold off artery hardening.
Oranges
Eat your oranges because it helps prevent lower blood pressure, heart failure, and cholesterol. Oranges are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can help support your heart health by providing fiber, potassium, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
Beans
With a variety of beans to choose from – kidney beans, black beans, pinto, fava, and chickpeas – you don’t have a reason not to eat this heart-healthy superfood. It is full of soluble fibers that lower cholesterol levels. Most beans contain resistant starch, which has been seen to reduce triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels.
Green tea
Among all of the teas in existence today, studies have shown that green tea is the best tea for a healthy heart because of its abundant antioxidant content. Of particular compound responsible for this is catechin. Together with its polyphenol content, green tea is effective in protecting against inflammation and cell damage, which could lead to heart ailments. Studies show that individuals who drink green tea has reduced occurrences of cardiovascular disease.
Vegan foods
A vegan diet is a way of eating that excludes all animal products, such as non-veg food, dairy, and honey. It can lower the levels of inflammation and cholesterol that can damage your arteries and lead to heart disease. Some of the heart-healthy foods that vegan food includes are oats, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, seeds, nuts, and legumes.
When it comes to heart health, half-hearted steps do not work. In fact, you don’t get a healthier heart by just eating beans, oranges, kale, or the above-mentioned superfoods. No, it takes an entire lifestyle overhaul to accomplish this. Eating superfoods for heart health is just a part and parcel of it!
