Six Foods That'll Pump Up Your Heart Health
Posted by Janelle Brown on
Food has been a hot topic for STRIVE with Janelle. From healthy flavor swaps and foods that boost your metabolism, to nutritious snacks you can have on the go, we have made it a point to cover a range of tempting topics.
But now we are getting to the heart of the matter. Literally.
We have found that keeping our most vital organ happy is not only delicious, but pretty easy as well! Many of the foods are most likely a part of your diet already, and if they’re not, they’re simple to incorporate.
Here are six super foods we’re sure you’ll love adding to your grocery list
BERRIES
We just can’t get enough of berries! And why should we? They not only taste great, but blueberries, strawberries and cranberries are bursting with heart healthy soluble fiber and antioxidants.
DARK CHOCOLATE
From being blamed for acne to causing cavities, chocolate has gotten a bad rap over the years. But finally, it can gloat in a bit of sweet redemption. Studies have shown that indulging in dark chocolate (made up of at least 60-70% cocoa) may help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of disorders that lead to heart disease and diabetes. Just in time for Valentine’s Day! (But, of course, moderation is key)
FISH
But not just any fish. Ones that are high in Omega-3s like salmon, tuna and trout have been shown to reduce plaque build-up in your arteries as well as lower your risk of developing an irregular heartbeat.
OATMEAL
We like to think of this as the ultimate breakfast comfort food. And you should find comfort in knowing you can be lowering your cholesterol with every bite. But make sure it’s not the instant stuff though, as it has added sugar. Try the old-fashioned variety, or quick-cooking oats with the aforementioned berries for the perfect morning meal.
RED WINE
It may not be a food, but just as we were excited that dark chocolate was getting its day, we just had to share the benefits of this heart-boosting beverage. Red wine contains resveratrol which has been shown to lower our risk of heart disease. But just like chocolate, it is all about moderation. More than a couple of drinks a day may actually increase our risk.
If you’re not into imbibing, you can also get the same heart-healthy affects from grapes!
TOMATOES
Great on everything from pasta to salads, tomatoes are a versatile fruit that also pack a heart-healthy punch. They’re high in potassium and the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene has been shown to keep our blood vessels open, lower our bad cholesterol and reduce our risk of a heart attack.
See? Caring for our heart can be easier than we think! Do you have any fun recipes using these ingredients? Share in the comments!
https://health.clevelandclinic.org