Human beings can’t breathe or live without a functioning heart. The heart is one of the vital organs in the human body because it works by pumping blood through the circulatory system and supplies oxygen and nutrients to all the tissues in the body. Your heart is also responsible for removing wastes from the body and ensuring that the body remains active and healthy.
It’ll be challenging for you to make the most out of life if you have a weak heart, which is why you should prioritize taking care of it, whether that’s with the help of medication, or something like this watchman device to help stop blood clots from escaping from a particular part of the heart. Additionally, looking after one’s heart health without medical intervention is more achievable than ever, as there are now foods that can help maintain or improve the condition of your heart. Adding these foods to your diet can do wonders for your heart and ensure that it continues to function for years.
Listed below are foods that can support better heart health:
1. Fatty Fish
The first food that can support heart health is fatty fish. Salmon, tuna, and halibut contain omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil also has good fats, but the fatty acids found in oily fish are especially important. Fatty fish is also a good source of protein, which is needed for building muscle and maintaining a healthy heart. Omega-3s also help regulate cholesterol levels, which may also be beneficial for heart health.
If you want to know the right type of fish and quantity that you should consume, seek medical advice from professionals who have undergone a BLS certification course and have other medical licenses. These experts can check your current heart condition and help you come up with a healthier diet plan.
2. Nuts
The second food that you should include in your diet is nuts. This includes walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pistachios. The seeds of walnuts contain a substance that aids in blood vessel elasticity and circulation. Sunflower seeds are also very high in vitamin E. Pistachios have beta-carotene, which helps increase the number of fat-burning hormones in your body and prevent fats from building up around your arteries.
Different kinds of nuts contain nutrients and minerals that can be very beneficial for heart health, making them effective heart-support food. Consuming nuts regularly can decrease your susceptibility to common heart problems and ensure that you don’t experience going into asystole.
3. Whole Grains
Oatmeal, oat bran, brown rice, quinoa, bulgur, sesame, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale are examples of foods that support heart health. Many people believe that whole grain food is bad for your heart, but recent studies have shown that they actually help improve the health of the heart. One study showed that eating more than 7 ounces of cereals each day had a significantly positive effect on a person’s cardiovascular health.
Aside from these, whole grains come in a wide variety of products and are usually very inexpensive. The affordability of whole grains will surely encourage you to take care of your heart better and look for recipes that use these ingredients.
4. Green Vegetables
Green vegetables are not only packed with antioxidants and vitamins, but they’re also packed with phytochemicals and essential vitamins and minerals. These vegetables are naturally low in calories, making them ideal for creating a heart-friendly diet.
One study found that consuming high amounts of green vegetables was beneficial for people trying to lose weight and prevent cardiovascular disease. Regardless of whether you’re already diagnosed with heart problems or want to prevent heart diseases, you can benefit from eating green vegetables. These can provide you with essential nutrients that are good for your heart and overall health.
5. Avocado
One of the most important foods that support heart health is avocado. Avocado contains plenty of protein and monounsaturated fats, along with vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids, which can all help you maintain a healthy heart. If the actual fruit is scarce in your area, avocado oil and spreads available in supermarkets or health food stores can also be used as alternatives.
The good news is that avocado is very easily digested and can boost your weight loss efforts, as well as your immune system. Avocado also contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential in supporting bone growth and helping your body absorb iron nutrients that are also needed by your red blood cells. Avocado can help you regulate your appetite and prevent the development of acne, eczema, diabetes, and cancer.
Strive For Variety
If you want to take care of your heart better and still get excited during meals, look for recipes that use the foods mentioned in this article. With the number of people looking after their heart health today, you’ll be surprised by the number of heart-friendly recipes you can find.