10 Nutritious Superfoods for a Healthy Heart

Heart function is one of the most crucial systems in the body primarily responsible for circulating oxygenated blood to all the organs and extremities. Furthermore, the heart pumps blood continuously, but with advancing age, this function may start to deteriorate. So, it is important that one pays attention to daily nutrition, lifestyle choices, and physical activity that promotes healthy heart function. Here is a list of 10 foods that are essential for maintaining heart health.
Tomatoes
High cholesterol is one of the risk factors linked to the development of heart complications. Tomatoes are rich in a compound called lycopene that helps lower bad cholesterol in the bloodstream. Lycopene is a natural antioxidant that helps remove free radicals causing cell damage, lower inflammation, and prevents oxidative damage that may lead to heart problems. Low cholesterol, in turn, lowers the risk of high blood pressure that can trigger heart attacks or other cardiovascular diseases.
Leafy greens
Studies indicate that adding more green vegetables to a daily meal plan can lower the risk of heart disease by approximately 16% among adults. Swiss chard, spinach, kale, and collard greens – all top the list of greens to be included to promote weight loss, lower cholesterol, and boost immunity. These greens are rich in Vitamin K, one of the essential nutrients that prevent arteries from clogging up and putting pressure on the heart. Leafy greens also contain fiber, rich antioxidants, potassium, Vitamins A, B, and C, folates, iron, and calcium. Each nutrient is crucial in lowering blood pressure, improving arterial function, and promoting a healthy heart outlook.
Whole grains
Excess consumption of refined carbohydrates is one of the significant triggers of heart disease complications among adults. This is one of the reasons why nutritionists recommend switching to whole sources of carbohydrate intake that help promote better heart function. Whole grains comprise bran, germ, and endosperm, all loaded with essential nutrients that should form part of daily foods. Whole grains also contain important soluble fibers that promote better digestion, lower cholesterol levels, improve blood circulation, and even maintain blood sugar levels. A balanced intake lowers the risk of heart disease by 20% among adults.
Assorted berries
Blueberries are a rich source of vitamin K and essential polyphenols that prevent oxidative damage and lower inflammation. These berries also help enhance arterial function and lower bad cholesterol to promote better heart health. Raspberries are a great source of fiber and polyphenols that lower the risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol associated with cardiovascular complications. Besides, strawberries are one of the recommended sources of essential nutrients that lower the risk of triglycerides, and oxidative stress and help maintain blood sugar levels. Also, cherries, bilberries, cranberries, and grapes boast essential nutrients that improve heart health.
Avocados
Avocados are one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids. But this superfood is also loaded with essential compounds that improve cardiovascular function. Avocados contain oleic acid, one of the best sources of unsaturated fats that helps lower bad cholesterol and prevents the development of coronary artery diseases. A single serving of avocado daily contributes to nearly 30% of the fiber intake necessary to maintain a healthy BMI for heart health. In addition, the fruit is also a rich source of folates, potassium, magnesium, and phytochemicals, among other plant-based compounds that boost cardiovascular function to keep the heart healthy.
Assorted nuts
Nuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, unsaturated fats, fiber, plant sterols, and L-arginine. Consuming nuts regularly helps improve artery health, lower any inflammation linked to heart disease, and reduce the risk of blood clots that may trigger strokes. Healthy nuts also lower cholesterol levels and prevent spikes in blood pressure. Hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, walnuts, almonds, pecans, and even peanuts are excellent sources of these nutrients necessary for maintaining a healthy heart. It is advisable also to discuss any nut allergies before consumption.
Edamame
Edamame contains essential soy proteins and essential isoflavones that help lower the harmful, low-density protein levels in the blood and promote good cholesterol levels with regular consumption. Edamame soy proteins also help improve one’s lipids profile when combined with an active lifestyle, exercise schedule, and better stress management. In addition, edamame contains potassium that helps manage crucial functions like heart rate and rhythm.
Beans
Black beans are a rich source of antioxidants, and fiber, and are extremely low in calories to help boost heart function. It also contains folates and magnesium that improve blood pressure levels. Chickpeas are a great source of fiber, low in sodium, and high in polyunsaturated fats that help maintain blood sugar levels. Navy beans, alternatively, are loaded with potassium, magnesium, essential folates, fiber, carbohydrates, and vitamin B which lowers the risk of metabolic disorders causing heart problems. Lastly, pinto beans and soybeans are also excellent sources of nutrition that help lower bad cholesterol.
Fatty fish
Salmon is one of the top choices in omega-3-rich fatty foods that prevents inflammation, lower triglyceride levels, and also lessens the risk of cardiovascular complications. Tuna is another excellent option to consider in place of salmon. Other acceptable choices that don’t contain too much mercury include sardines, mackerel, cod, herring, and trout. Nutritionists advise consuming healthy fatty fish in moderation to lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of clotting and other heart complications.
Olive oil for cooking
Substituting healthy foods is the right move. But it is equally important to switch to healthy cooking techniques as well to promote better cardiovascular function. Nutritionists recommend replacing hydrogenated vegetable oils with olive oil for daily cooking to encourage a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Olive oil also contains oleic acid, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidants to boost heart functions. It can also help prevent hypertension, one of the leading risk factors associated with heart disease.