LET'S TALK ABOUT HEART HEALTHY FOODS
Thank you for your engagement on my previous post, Today we would be discussing foods that are good for the Heart
THE HEART
The heart is the main organ of your cardiovascular system, a network of blood vessels that pumps blood throughout your body. It also works with other body systems to control your heart rate and blood pressure .
The heart is made up of 4 chambers -
▪︎ Right Atrium / Auricle
▪︎ Right Ventricle
▪︎ Left Atrium/ Auricle
▪︎ Left Ventricle
It is important to Eat Healthy foods to prevent certain Heart Conditions
Conditions affecting the pumping of your heart
There are some conditions that can damage your heart muscle. This makes it weak and unable to pump as efficiently as before. These conditions include:
•Heart attack
• Heart valve problems
• Cardiomyopathy – this is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle.
• High blood pressure (hypertension). This means your heart has to work harder.
When your heart muscle can’t meet your body’s demands for blood and oxygen, you can develop various symptoms, like: Breathlessness, Extreme tiredness
FOODS THAT ARE GOOD FOR THE HEART
Certain foods, including leafy greens, whole grains, and fatty fish, can benefit your heart health and lower your risk of heart disease.
• GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES:
Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens are well known for their wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• WHOLE GRAINS : Common types of whole grains include:
whole wheat, brown rice, oats,rye, barley
• BERRIES :
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are jam-packed with nutrients that play a central role in heart health.
• AVOCADOS :
They are an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to reduced cholesterol levels and a lower risk of heart disease
• FATTY FISH & FISH OILS : Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been studied extensively for their heart-health benefits.
Omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish may have a protective role in the risk of developing heart disease
IF you don’t eat much seafood, fish oil is another option for getting your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids, Other omega-3 supplements like krill oil or algal oil are popular alternatives.
• WALNUTS :
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Walnuts are a great source of fiber and micronutrients like magnesium, copper, and manganese
• BEANS & LEGUMES :
Eating beans & legumes can decrease LDL cholesterol, improve glycemic control and blood pressure, and may reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease, especially in people with diabetes
• DARK CHOCOLATES:
They are rich in nutrients like Flavonoids, which can help boost heart health.
• TOMATOES:
Tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, a natural plant pigment with powerful antioxidant properties
• ALMONDS :
Almonds are incredibly nutrient-dense, boasting many vitamins and minerals crucial to heart health.
They’re also a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber
• CHIA SEEDS, FLAXSEEDS, AND HEMP SEEDS :
They are all great sources of heart-healthy nutrients, including fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
• GARLIC :
IT has potent medicinal properties that may help improve heart health.
• OLIVE OIL :
It is packed with antioxidants, which can relieve inflammation and decrease the risk of chronic disease
• EDAMAME : IT is an immature soybean frequently found in Asian cuisine.
Like other soy products, edamame is rich in soy isoflavones, a type of flavonoid that may help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
• GREEN TEA :
It has several health benefits, from increased fat burning to improved insulin sensitivity to cancer prevention
Its polyphenols and catechins can act as antioxidants to prevent cell damage, reduce inflammation, and protect the health of your heart.
Thank you for Reading ❤