Lately I have been hearing a lot about how young people in their early thirties are falling prey to heart diseases due to erroneous lifestyles. As a matter of fact heart ailment is amongst the leading cause of death in America and Canada. We are so involved and addicted to our hectic lifestyle that it is almost impossible to stay away from it for a single day. How about sticking to your lifestyle and including certain foods in your diet for the sake of your heart? I hope this sounds reasonable. In this article I will inform and explain about certain foods that are good for the health of the heart.
Salmon: Salmon is a superb source of omega 3 that improves heart health. It cuts down inflammation and reduces the risk of clotting. Omega 3 fatty acids also controls the cholesterol levels. If salmon is unavailable then other good sources of omega 3 are oily fishes such as tuna, herring and sardines. Include oily fishes in your diet atleast twice a week for Omega 3 benefits.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is the healthiest cooking oil. It helps in reducing the risk of heart ailments by reducing the LDL cholesterol level. Most cooks swear by olive oil, it not just tastes better but it has endless health benefits. However, it is bit costlier than your regular cooking oil.
Oats: A soluble fiber known as beta glucan, found in oats in optimum quantity, helps in maintaining the cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. Beta glucan is also very good for digestive health. Kick start your day with a bowl of oatmeal and few nuts for breakfast. Otherwise, enjoy a bowl of oat cereal with milk for a wholesome treat.
Apple: a phytochemical known as quercetin found in apple reduces inflammation and the risk of blood clots. Apples are also rich in vitamins and fiber. The best thing about apple is that it can be carried anywhere. So keep couple of apples handy and enjoy them while you travel to and from work.
Almonds: Nuts especially almonds are rich in healthy oils, Vitamin E, proteins and other nutrients that keeps a check on your cholesterol. Almonds are great snack items. Like apples, carry a handful with you and enjoy them during coffee breaks.
Red Wine: A potent antioxidant resveratrol is found in red wine which has been proved to enhance heart health. However, as it is an alcoholic drink moderation is highly advised.
Whole Grains: I myself always swear by whole grain foods. Whole grains are so much more healthier than the refined ones. They are rich in vitamins and fibers and helps in improving the health of the heart. It is never too late to switch to whole grain foods, it is just a matter of making few chances in your grocery list …. Like brown bread from white bread, brown rice from white rice and so on.
Green leafy veggies: green leafy vegetables are rich is folate and Vitamin E. The folate reduces the levels of homocysteine. Green leafy vegetables is also good for memory.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are rich in vitamins and carotenoid which greatly reduces the risk of heart ailments. While making a vegetable sandwich cut thicker slices of tomatoes and always use whole wheat bread.
Eat well and Stay Healthy!!!
Tags: herbal, supplements, alternative medicine, therapeutic, yoga
