10 Best Foods for a Healthy Heart

The heart is the main organ for staying a healthy life. More than half the population of the world is attacked by cardiovascular diseases. The heart attacks have become the most problem in the age group between 30-60 years. The reasons for heart attacks are the hyperactive life, pollution, consumption of more junk and processed foods and skipping exercises.

Food plays an essential role in keeping the heart healthy. If you want a long life and healthy heart, try some of the best foods for a healthy heart.

1. Salmon and other fish

You should include different kinds of fish in your meals such as salmon, tuna, and herring. Fish oils keep the heart strong and healthy which further reduces the chances of heart attacks. The other seafood such as oysters and lobsters are healthy for the heart as well.

The main element in all of them is omega-3 fatty acids which help in preventing heart attacks. These foods also help in keeping the blood vessels healthy and lowering the BP.

2. Broccoli

Green veggies are the best foods for a healthy heart, especially broccoli. They contain a higher amount of nutrients essential for strong heart and overall development of the body. You should fresh broccoli every day in your meals for preventing heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.

Additionally, broccoli florets also contain vitamins C and E, potassium, fiber, and folate. It is also rich in calcium and so you get healthy bones too. You can eat broccoli raw or consume its soup.

3. Dark chocolate

Hmm, Yummylicious!! Dark chocolate is loved by everyone in the world. But it is more of a surprising thing to know that dark chocolate has numerous health benefits. It is good for shiny skin. If you eat dark chocolate daily, the heart remains strong and healthy for many years.

It contains cocoa which is again good for the healthy heart and other organs. Apart from that, cocoa also lowers the blood pressure and provides a shield to the heart from the diseases.

4. Oats

Gradually, people are becoming more aware of the health benefits of oats. Oats are some of the best foods for a healthy heart which you can take in any form. They are rich in beta-glucan fiber which is most beneficial for the human body.

As per the survey, oats make the immunity system strong. They also lower the cholesterol in the body which stops the heart attack. This is the reason why people with high cholesterol consume more oats and barley. Taking oats in the morning breakfast is highly advisable.

5. Berries

Those pink, blue and red berries have numerous health benefits. A bowl of strawberries and blueberries each day will keep your heart strong. They also help in giving a more beautiful skin. Berries have a good amount of antioxidants and contain fewer fats.

If you eat berries every day, the slim figure is not much far from you. They are also rich in fiber and vitamin C. Strawberries and blueberries stimulate the blood flow in the arteries which further reduce the chances of heart attacks.

6. Legumes

The next on the list are legumes. They are rich in soluble fiber which helps in reducing the cholesterol levels as well as triglyceride levels in the body. Including a bowl of legumes, every day in meals will also lower the blood pressure which automatically reduces the chances of heart attack.

Moreover, legumes have lower fats which will help in reducing the excess body weight. Rich in proteins, legumes also have a good amount of vitamin B, copper, iron, manganese and zinc.

7. Olive oil

What is more beneficial than olive oil for a healthy heart? Olive oil is one of the best foods for a healthy heart and you cannot deny that. Having more monounsaturated fatty acids, olive oil also keeps the breast cancer at bay. It also improves the brain functions and protects the heart. Further, olive oil lowers the blood pressure and reduces bad cholesterol by increasing the good cholesterol. You can use olive oil for cooking or for pouring on salads.

8. Red wine

Suggested as one of the best foods for a healthy heart, red wine also has other benefits. It helps in increasing the good cholesterol by lowering the bad one. This will further reduce the chances of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases. It is rich in resveratrol which gives a strong and healthy heart.

A glass of red wine every day will reduce the chances of coronary artery diseases. It also contains antioxidants called polyphenols which give protect the lining of blood vessels.

9. Avocados

 Until now, we were aware that avocados are good for strong and lustrous hair. But, they are good for the heart as well. As per a study by one of the American associations, avocados help in lowering the blood pressure which further reduces the risk of heart attack.

This fruit has a higher amount of monounsaturated fatty acids which reduce the bad cholesterol and increase the good cholesterol. You should include one avocado every day in your breakfast or in meals.

10. Tomatoes

Whether you want good skin, pink lips or simply a good heart, include tomatoes every day in your meals. They are rich in vitamin C, alpha and beta-carotene, and lycopene.

Tomatoes also purify the blood and increase the blood flow in the veins and arteries. You can eat raw tomatoes or squeeze them to get the soup or juice. You can also add them to salads.

These are some of the best foods for a healthy heart which you cannot miss in your meals. Apart from the foods, you should do regular exercises, yoga, and meditation for some time. You should also walk for half an hour daily for a healthy heart. Moreover, it is also advisable to visit the doctor once a year for an overall checkup of the body and take proper measures.