A healthy diet helps in keeping us fit and away from metabolic disorders. In fact, certain foods can influence blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol levels and inflammation, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
Here are certain foods the help in keeping the heart healthy:
- Green vegetables Consumption of at least one cup of green leafy vegetables can significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Broccoli and asparagus are filled with mighty nutrients such as vitamins C and E, potassium, folate, calcium and fiber.
- Almonds lowers your LDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol, which is involved in creating plaques in your coronary arteries that can cause heart attacks.
- Walnuts are the only ones with a significant amount of a certain type called alpha-linoleic acid. Alpha-linoleic acid acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and has actually been shown to help reduce plaque buildup in coronary arteries
- Fruits such as oranges, cantaloupes and papaya are rich in beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium and fiber.
- Dried beans and lentils ― such as garbanzo, pinto, kidney or black beans, are high in fiber, B-vitamins, minerals
- Flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and phytoestrogen to boost heart health.
- Berries are full of heart-healthy phytonutrients and soluble fiber.
- Oats They’re a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants
- Bell peppers: Bell peppers contain folate, another nutrient that reduces homocysteine.