Heart Healthy Foods

The gateway to a healthy body is through heart healthy foods !

The heart is a vital organ and must be nourished at all times. There are so many foods that are healthy for the heart and proper selection of these foods can reduce chances of contracting cardiovascular disease. The essence of preventing this disease is by eating foods that provide phytonutrients which are important for prevention as well as repair of cells.

The best of heart healthy foods are most fruits and vegetables as well as a whole foods diet.

Fiber Rich Foods For Heart Health

Eat fiber rich foods especially cereals such as oatmeal. Oatmeal for instance can help your body lower the low density lipoproteins or cholesterol thereby keeping the blood vessels clear. Make use of lentils, black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, oat bran, puffed rice and wheat, shredded wheat and corn grits for they are rich in calcium, soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

Soy

In addition to the oatmeal, eat soy derived from natural sources. It will help you lower cholesterol. Furthermore, it has low saturated fat content and is an excellent source of healthy protein which is good for your heart. When buying, remember to check the label for soy with low sodium content. Other constituents in soy that are valuable for good health include flavonoids, magnesium, niacin, phytoestrogens, calcium, folic acid, potassium and B-complex vitamins

Nuts and Berries

Nuts are an important source of heart-healthy fats. Most of them are rich in both mono and polyunsaturated fats for example the macadamia nuts and almonds. Some also like walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3fatty acids. Berries on the other hand are rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients which help in minimizing chances of cardiovascular disease. They share these properties with apples. Examples include raspberries, blackberries, cloudberries, tayberries, and blueberries among many others.

Ground flaxseed

Flaxseed can be sprinkled on just about any food. Fiber-rich and full of omega-3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens, it is an excellent heart-healthy food. Use it alongside morning cereal or oatmeal for a healthy start in the morning.

Black and Kidney Beans

These beans are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, magnesium, soluble fiber, vitamin B complex, calcium and folic acid. When mixed with soup, these beans boost its nutritional value.

Spinach

Spinach is one of the richest and readily-available vegetables. It contains lutein, calcium, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, B-complex vitamins and a lot of fiber. Add spinach to vegetable salads and explore the natural way of keeping your heart fit.

Olive Oil

By lowering LDL cholesterol in your body, olive oil reduces the risk of contacting cardiovascular disease.

Tomatoes

They contain lycopene and vitamins which are good for the heart. Remember to add tomato slices to your salad.

Asparagus

It contains rutin, which is vital for creating healthy blood vessels. Nature has provided us with plenty of healthy foods good for healthy hearts !

And The Winner For Heart Healthy Foods Is....Garlic !

Without dispute, garlic is one of the best natural medicines for the heart, and for lowering high blood pressure. Together with onions, they work wonders. Read here how garlic is one of the best of foods for the heart.