As common as heart disease is, there are many ways to prevent it — and perhaps the best (and most delicious) place to start is by cleaning up your diet. Supercharging your diet with fiber-rich food filled with healthy fats will allow you to eat your way to a healthy heart and clear arteries. Don’t know where to start? Here are 12 food items you should add to your heart-friendly grocery list, according to TheHeartySoul.com:
- Fresh Fruit — This one is a no-brainer: Filled with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, you’ll be helping your heart, and giving the rest of your body a boost, too.
- Black beans — Another fiber-rich food, this one also has potassium and other vitamins that promote cardiovascular wellness.
- Mackerel — This fatty fish is a great source of omega-3, which can lower blood pressure and keep blood vessels elastic. At the same time, it also contains vitamin D, which also lowers blood pressure.
- Spinach — This is another green vegetable that packs a powerful punch. For the heart in particular, it contains nitrite, which, according to an article on DailyMail.co.uk, helps widen clogged arteries.
- Avocado — The heart-healthy properties of avocados are no secret. Rich in monosaturated fats as well as potassium, it helps lower cholesterol and regulate blood pressure.
- Nuts — Another food item that is full of monosaturated fats, they’re also filled with protein, fiber, and antioxidants that make them the perfect heart-friendly snack.
- Flaxseed — A famous superfood, flaxseed is rich in both omega-3 and fiber, and also contains certain plant compounds that serve as antioxidants.
- Green Tea — This helps lower cholesterol levels and is known to widen arteries, reducing the risk of blood clots.
- Sunflower seeds — It contains vitamin E and folate, which both benefit the heart. It also contains phytosterols, which can lower cholesterol levels.
- Garlic — Rich in antioxidants, garlic, according to LiveStrong.com, also contains allium tuberosum, a natural blood thinner that can prevent clots from forming.
- Cayenne peppers — Cayenne peppers contain a compound that maintains healthy cholesterol levels, manage inflammation, and improve blood circulation.
- Lentils — As another great source of fiber and folate, lentils are great for improving heart health. (MORE)
Source: Natural News
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