Well, last time we talked about the ways to keep your heart healthy, and the measures one should take to evade any heart-related problems. However, with the help of today’s article, we will try to figure out the top healthy foods that are better for your heart.
It should be the prime responsibility of every individual, to take a wise decision as far as diet is concerned. Having a properly balanced diet will not only evade any health disorder but will also make our hearts healthy simultaneously. Many people consider that heart disease is a problem for men, but it is not true, as women worldwide to suffering the heat of not having a healthy heart. According to studies, it has been observed that almost two-thirds of women who died suddenly of coronary heart disease had no symptoms of heart-related problems before they died. With such uncertainty with heart, it is solely important that we should perform regular check-ups and understand the seriousness of having a healthy heart.
Heart disease is a type of cardiovascular disease, which affects our heart and blood vessels. The most common one which is considered is coronary artery disease or CAD, which affects the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle and is most commonly associated with heart attacks. Whereas another type of heart disease is known as cerebrovascular disease, which affects the blood vessels of the brain, thus making it most commonly associated with strokes.
Both of these diseases mentioned above occur when hard patches that are called plaques, build up in the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. A fat-like substance found in the blood is plaque which is made of cholesterol, the building of plaque narrows the blood vessels of the heart, thus making it less flexible causing atherosclerosis. In such a case heart attack occurs, as plaque breaks free from a blood vessel’s wall forming a clot which the arteries that are supplying blood to the heart. This blockage due to the narrowing of the blood vessels obstructs the oxygen-rich blood to reach the heart. With this obstruction, part of the heart muscle may become injured or die leading to a heart attack.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
There are some symptoms of a heart attack that you should take note of: –
- Pain, pressure, or discomfort in the chest: this may feel like heaviness, aching, burning, fullness, squeezing, or stabbing
- Shortness of breath
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain in the arms left shoulder, neck, throat, jaw, or back
- Heart palpitations (irregular beats)
- Increased heart rate (‘racing’ heart)
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Sweating
Top 5 Foods for Better Heart Health
The above mentioned are some of the symptoms that a person can witness if he/she wouldn’t choose his diet wisely. A balanced diet is a must to keep all the heart risks away. It is strongly recommended to practice balanced diet food at the earliest, to overcome any diet-related hardships. Below are some of the healthy foods for heart that one should include in their diet.
1.) Avocados
Avocados are considered one of the best healthy foods for heart. Avocados contain dietary fibres, nutrients, and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The monounsaturated fatty acids lower bad cholesterol levels and increase the levels of good cholesterol levels. Besides maintaining our cholesterol levels, the high potassium and magnesium content present in avocados is beneficial for blood pressure regulation, which nevertheless helps to evade critical heart disease.
2.) Walnuts
Walnuts are also considered one of the healthy foods for the heart. The rich source of omega-3 fatty acids present in walnuts has proven benefits for maintaining healthy cardiovascular health. According to studies, consumption of walnuts is solely associated with lower rates of heart disease and stroke. It has been observed that for people at high cardiovascular risk, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts and walnuts, reduced the incidence of major heart diseases.
3.) Almonds
Being one of the healthy foods for heart, almonds are considered the best food one should take to maintain a healthy heart. Consumption of almonds reduces LDL cholesterol levels in our body, which is a known risk factor for coronary heart disease. The fat in almonds is unsaturated, which is a healthy fat. These unsaturated fats are good for your heart because they can lower your bad cholesterol and raise your good cholesterol levels.
4.) Garlic
Garlic has been a traditional ingredient which has been used for centuries. Being a medicinal herb, the consumption of garlic is also considered one of the healthy foods for heart. Studies suggest that garlic and garlic supplements have a positive impact on our heart, as it prevents cell damage, regulate cholesterol and lower blood pressure. Besides, the consumption of garlic also helps to reduce plaque buildup in the arteries.
5.) Oats
Considering oats as one of the healthy foods for the heart is the best choice to evade all heart-related disorders. Oats are high in antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols. The unique antioxidants in oats are called avenanthramides, which help to reduce blood pressure which is a major cause of heart problems. Besides all, oats help to reduce bad cholesterol levels from oxidation. Due to oxidation, it has been observed that bad cholesterol levels react with free radicals, making a room for heart attacks and strokes.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
