- 1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2. Green TeaÂ
- 3. Oatmeal
- 4. Greens
- 5. Nuts
- 6. Citrus Fruit
- 7. Tomatoes
- 8. Avocados
The ancient science of life Ayurveda believes that it’s much better to have a diet that boosts health, rather than use medicines to treat yourself at a later point. When it comes to cardiovascular health, you can eat plenty of foods that maintain it and protect your precious heart from diseases. So, we’ve put together this heart healthy foods list that can help you optimise your diet for better heart health.
Top 8 Heart Healthy Foods
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
It’s a well known fact that the kind and quality of oils you use have a huge impact on your heart’s health. Extra virgin olive oil is among the most heart healthy oils around the world. An important part of the mediterranean diet, olive oil contains loads of monounsaturated fats that help you manage cholesterol levels. It also reduces inflammation.
2. Green Tea
Make sure to include green tea in your heart healthy diet plan. This refreshing beverage is packed with antioxidants that protect your cardiovascular system from damage. It reduces cholesterol, the risk of blood clots, as well as blood pressure. Go ahead and check out more green tea benefits here. But remember not to heat this oil as all the goodness is lost when it is heated.
3. Oatmeal
Did you know that oatmeal is great for the heart? It’s filled with soluble fibre that helps the body get rid of cholesterol. Oatmeal also helps manage body weight – excess of body weight is linked to heart disease and increased risk of strokes. It also supplies you with vitamin E, a great antioxidant for the heart.
4. Greens
Eat plenty of green vegetables for heart health. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants that boost immunity and maintain a healthy heart. They also help you stay slimmer and they don’t cause blood sugar spikes. Indulge in green salads made with broccoli, kale, spinach, and cabbage.
5. Nuts
Nuts are some of the best heart health boosting foods. They have vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and plant sterols. All of these nutrients are wonderful for your heart – they reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as protect from oxidative stress. Just make sure that you eat them in moderation since they can lead to weight gain in excess amounts.
6. Citrus Fruit
There are plenty of fruits good for the heart under the citrus category. Oranges, clementines, mandarins and grapefruit provide you with vitamin C that protects the heart from damage. They also supply you with fibre and heart health boosting flavonoids. Here are some incredible benefits of orange juice.
7. Tomatoes
Next on the heart healthy foods list is tomatoes. Did you know that this super food is packed with potassium? Potassium keeps a check on blood pressure, since it relaxes the blood vessels and improves blood circulation. And the lycopene contained in them lowers cholesterol. Tomatoes also protect the body from cancers and help boost immunity. Add them to your salads, khichdi, and soups.
8. Avocados
Last but certainly not the leat among the heart healthy foods is avocados, my personal favourite. This rich creamy fruit is packed with heart healthy monounsaturated fat. They reduce stress that leads to higher blood pressure since they contain loads of folate. They also provide you with hypertension fighting potassium.
Note: This article is solely for the purpose of sharing information. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So before using anything to treat yourself, always consult your doctor.
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