A Diet that can Reduce Your Risk for Heart Disease
Heart disease is an umbrella term that can allude to several ailments, including coronary artery disease, blood vessel issues, irregular heartbeat, heart defects, and several others. Heart disease has become especially prevalent in the United States, and part of the reason is due to poor diets lacking in heart-healthy nutrients and minerals. Though there are several causes of heart disease, a healthy diet can directly combat these ailments if put into practice.
That’s why we’ve created this list of foods that can help you improve your overall heart-health.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are an excellent choice when it comes to heart-health. They can include a variety of different foods, including oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain pasta, quinoa, and much more! You’ll notice that many of these foods are rich in fiber, which is not only great for digestion, but excellent for reducing LDL cholesterol as well. What this means is that you can enjoy the versatility of great tasting foods while combating heart disease at the same time.
Avocados
Avocados are an excellent choice considering their LDL cholesterol reducing properties. You see, avocados are packed with monounsaturated fats, which are responsible for lower levels of cholesterol within the body. Not only this, but they contain a significant amount of potassium, which is another heart-healthy nutrient that supports your overall well-being. As a result, you can lower blood your overall blood pressure while enjoying a tasty treat.
Fish
You’ll find that fish rich in fats are jam-packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s have been scientifically proven to lower levels of cholesterol in individuals, which earn them the title of a heart-healthy food. Fish that are known to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel. If you’re curious about a specific type of fish, you can always look up their nutritional content to have a better idea.
Almonds
Almonds are a winner on this list due to their nutrient dense profile. Almonds contain several vitamins and minerals that lend toward healthier performance of the heart. In addition to fiber, almonds contain monounsaturated fat, which as we’ve explained before, contain heart-healing properties. Couple this with the fact that studies show almonds to reduce cholesterol within individuals, and you have yourself a simple and effective choice for heart-health.
Keep in mind that these are just a few foods based on an ever-growing list of heart-healthy foods. There are several other food groups out there that can help to support your heart health, all it takes is a little diligence and research in your spare time. In this day and age, there is no reason we cannot access these foods to support ourselves for a better future. So what are you waiting for? Now it a great time to update your grocery list for your next outing!