Oranges
Oranges are tasty, thirst-quenching and delicious. Full of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, nutrients, and pectin, it can do wonders for your heart. On top of that, it will help absorb the cholesterol you eat, lower blood pressure, flush out sodium and neutralize proteins.Nothing beats starting off a new healthy diet with some oranges, so make sure to add some in your shopping cart. They not only make you feel refreshed by quenching your thirst, but they also contain a lot of vitamin C, nutrients, and fiber. But that’s not all, oranges also have plenty of potassium that helps flush out sodium, which in turn lowers blood pressure as well as counteracts the effects of harmful proteins. The high pectin content of oranges assists in the absorption of cholesterol.
Kale
Kale of the cabbage family is going to do good things to your heart with its nutrients. We promise you that it is worth it to look for it! The leafy green comes with omega 3-fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber. It is also full of fat and good calories so you can add it to your meal as much as you want.
Although it is a fact that kale is not a vegetable that is easily sourced, the truth that it is one of the cabbage’s healthiest family members is undeniable. Your hard-work in looking for this superfood will be more than worth it as it contains a lot of nutrients that keep the heart in a healthy condition. Its heart-boosting properties include antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, it is low in calories and fat, making it the most ideal addition to just about any meal you whip up! Kale’s popularity among the millennials has actually risen and this generation may actually know something that the older generation doesn’t.
Garlic
Garlic is a superfood that will do amazing things for your heart. It is present in many recipes, which is a good thing since it lowers blood pressure and brings down arterial plaque. It also lowers blood vessel-constricting enzymes. You can take it in pill form if you want to reap the benefits without the taste.
Garlic is particularly known for its ability to repel vampires, but not many know about its properties that can keep the heart healthy. It is also quite famous for making many types of dishes tasty, but very few are aware that it can improve the heart’s health. It is quite effective in lowering blood pressure. It first prevents plaque buildup in the arterial walls, avoiding the constriction of blood vessels. If you are not a fan of its taste, you can take it as a pill!
Red Wine
We knew you’d love this! Yes, it’s true. You don’t really have to avoid alcohol altogether when you’re on a diet. As a matter of fact, small doses of red wine can help you keep your heart healthy. A glass of wine can go a long way because it can help your blood vessels become more flexible, thereby preventing blood clot formation. Aside from the things previously mentioned, red wine can also help increase HDL levels in your blood which decreases the chances of having a coronary heart disease. Well, if doctors recommend this to prevent heart diseases, then we certainly won’t argue with them!
Chocolate
If you are a chocoholic, then you will love this. Chocolate is more than just a sweet fix or a dessert. It can also lower the risk of strokes and heart diseases. A research study done by Harvard showed that those who eat raw cocoa regularly have lower blood pressure and they don’t have any issues related to hypertension. The flavanol content of dark chocolate is what helps maintain the good condition of the heart. Regular intake will make the blood vessels more flexible which decreases the risk of developing heart diseases, as well as the blood pressure.
Sardines
Not many are fans of sardines, and it said to be an acquired taste. However, you should start adding this to your diet for a very good reason. First, this cold fish has a lot of nutrients that help maintain a good heart condition. It contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids which reduces the levels of triglyceride that are harmful to the blood vessels. Aside from that, it helps increase the levels of high-density lipoprotein. Another health benefit that we can get from sardines is that it reduces inflammation.
Lentils
Another healthy way to enhance the dish you’re cooking is to add lentils in the mix. This type of legumes come with many health benefits. Research shows that eating food with a lot of lentils, beans, and other kinds of legumes will help reduce the risk of developing heart disease and strokes. In addition, lentils also contain a lot of magnesium, protein, and potassium. These properties can effectively decrease the levels of bad cholesterol, lessen the risk of plaque buildup in the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.
Almonds
Your family probably likes almonds as a snack, but did you know that this nut is packed with a lot of nutrients that can help improve one’s cognitive functions as well as lower the risk of having heart disease and diabetes. Just a handful of this superfood goes a long way in reducing the cholesterol level. Aside from these, it also helps prevent the absorption of harmful LDL and reduces the risk of developing heart disease.
Pomegranates
If you’re looking for a new and refreshing way to make your smoothie, shake, or salad healthy, why not add some pomegranates? This superfruit is full of antioxidants that help in preventing plaque buildup in your arterial walls, thus, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Research shows that pomegranates also helps in reducing the probability of having strokes, prostate cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. In addition, it also keeps your liver, teeth, joints, and skin healthy.
Blueberries
Did you know that blueberries have plenty of nutrients and antioxidants? In fact, research shows that only three servings of this superfood and other types of berries in a week can help lower your blood pressure, decrease cholesterol, and avoid plaque buildup in your arteries. Moreover, this delicious superfruit also helps prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer.
