25 great foods for your heartA healthy heart prolongs your life significantly as the risk of heart disease or stroke is reduced. If you are concerned about your cardiovascular health, it’s important to understand which foods are heathiest for your heart. Ahead of World Heart Day being celebrated on Sept. 29, here’s a range of foods that works best your heart. 2/26 SLIDES ?
CoffeeA study by Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland,
California, U.S., has found that coffee drinkers are less likely to
be hospitalized or worried about heart rhythm disturbances. They
found that those who reported drinking four or more cups of coffee
each day had an 18 percent lower risk. 3/26 SLIDES
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Low or non-fat milkOne of the easiest ways to take care of your heart is to swap
full-fat milk with low or non-fat option, which contains more
calcium and protein. 4/26 SLIDES ?
Olive oilBid goodbye to butter which is high in saturated fats. Instead,
replace it with olive oil that is full of heart-healthy
monounsaturated fats. Olive oil is not just a great dip but also
flavorful and great for cooking. 5/26 SLIDES ?
Egg whitesEgg whites are a great source for protein whereas the yolks are
high in cholesterol and extra fat. The next time you decide to
gorge on some delicious egg recipes, simply include the whites for
a wholesome experience. 6/26 SLIDES ?
FishBeing a pescatarian has many benefits to your heart. For instance, salmon is filled with omega-3 fatty acids. It also helps regulate triglycerides, a fat that usually lead to heart disease. In fact, the American Heart Association suggests including two servings of oily fish every week. You may also have tuna, trout, sardines and mackerel. 7/26 SLIDES
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WalnutsHealthy snacking can go a long way in keeping your heart
healthy. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamin E,
folate and polyunsaturated fats. 8/26 SLIDES ?
AlmondsIf you do not enjoy the slightly bitter taste of walnuts, opt
for almonds instead. They, too, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids
along with plant sterols and fiber. 9/26 SLIDES ?
Chia seedsThese omega-3 fatty acid- and calcium-rich seeds are perfect for sprinkling over a hummus-topped cracker. They also help in lowering cholesterol levels. 10/26 SLIDES ?
OatsHigh in heart-healthy beta-glucan fiber and protein, include
oats by sprinkling them over nuts or by adding them with fruits
like bananas and berries. Better still, if you eat a bowlful of
oatmeal for your breakfast. 11/26 SLIDES ?
RaspberriesRaspberries are one of the healthiest berries for a healthy
heart. Rich in an antioxidant called polyphenols, they also are
loaded with fiber and vitamin C that helps to lower stroke
rates. 12/26 SLIDES ?
BlueberriesRich in antioxidants, resveratrol and flavonoids, blueberries
are another great heart-healthy fruits. You may eat them as it is,
or add them in your oatmeal, yogurt or
smoothie. 13/26 SLIDES
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Red wineIf you are someone who enjoys your drink, good news! Red wine is
rich in the antioxidant procyanidins that lowers cholesterol level.
In addition to it, wine is made from grapes and berries that are a
great source for resveratrol. According to a study conducted by
University of Leicester, resveratrol can also prevent
cancer. 14/26 SLIDES ?
AvocadoCardiologist Stephen T. Sinatra, MD and author of “Lower Your
Blood Pressure In Eight Weeks” states, “Avocados are awesome. They
allow for the absorption of other carotenoids — especially
beta-carotene and lycopene — which are essential for heart health.”
Add some avocado paste in your sandwich or mix them with your
salad. 15/26 SLIDES
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FlaxseedsRich in fiber, phytochemicals called lignans, and omega-3 fatty
acids, a slight sprinkling of flaxseeds on your cereal, smoothie,
and salad can help protecting your heart from various
ailments. 16/26 SLIDES ?
Dark chocolateContaining flavonoids called polyphenols, daily consumption of
dark chocolate is known to reduce non-fatal heart attacks and
stroke in people who are a higher risk. Dark chocolate contains at
least 60 – 70 per cent 17/26 SLIDES ?
SpinachAs per the findings of the Physicians' Health Study that
examined more than 15,000 men without any history of heart disease
for 12 years, the ones who ate at least two-and-a-half vegetable
servings every day cut down the risk of heart disease by almost 25
per cent 18/26 SLIDES ?
RaisinsAccording to a 2012 study by the American College of Cardiology,
raisins are rich in potassium. This helps in lowering blood
pressure and hypertension. The potassium also packs in different
immune-boosting antioxidants. 19/26 SLIDES
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Avocado oilApart from olive oil, avocado oil is also a healthy cooking oil.
A study conducted by the National Institute of Cardiology in 2005
noted that avocado oil helps in keeping the arteries from hardening
up, which often can result in heart ailments. 20/26 SLIDES
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OrangesThe citrus fruit is rich in pectin that blocks cholesterol
absorption, flavonoid that lowers blood pressure and artery
inflammation, and hesperidin that improves blood flow. The vitamin
C present in them also aids in prevention of stroke and reduces
cholesterol levels. 21/26 SLIDES
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GrapefruitsJust like oranges, the vitamin C-rich grapefruits also help in
prevention of heart diseases. However, if you are already taking
medicines for your heart condition, it’s best you stay away from it
as it may worsen your condition. 22/26 SLIDES
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Green teaLaced with multiple health benefits, it contains flavonoids and antioxidants that helps to reduce blood clots. Drinking this light aromatic tea is believed to lower bad cholesterol, thereby making the Harvard Health Publications to suggest that consumption of beverage may lower risk of death from heart disease and stroke. 23/26 SLIDES ?
BroccoliSeveral studies including from Imperial College London and University of Connecticut suggest that adding broccoli in a daily diet could improve heart health. It is know to contain a compound called sulforaphane that may help to reduce inflammation in certain “high risk” arterial areas. 24/26 SLIDES
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PotatoesAs long as they are not deep fried, this simple food, which is rich in potassium, can be really good for your heart. Since they are also high on fiber, potatoes are known to reduce the risk of heart disease. 25/26 SLIDES ?
PomegranateThe fruit is known to contain antioxidants and other heart friendly compounds like polyphenols and anthocyanins which prevent hardening of the arteries. According to a study published on National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), daily consumption of pomegranate juice by heart patients over three months showed improvements in blood flow to the heart. 26/26 SLIDES ?
TofuA good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which is known to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythm in people with or without heart disease — tofu, the rich soya food has demonstrated several health benefits including making blood less likely to clot inside arteries. |
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