The heart is undoubtedly the most important vital organ in our body and its proper functioning literally accompanies our life. How can we care for our heart so that it can serve us faithfully for a long time?
The most important element of heart function is the food we consume. Good food is considered the foundation of good health.
But what foods can help us have a good and healthy heart? Let’s read what are the 10 best foods that, if consumed, can improve our heart health:
1. Wine: Drink a glass of wine daily. It is known that low to moderate alcohol consumption (especially after meals) can reduce the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease (heart attack, myocardial infarction). Also a glass of wine daily can increase our lifespan by 5 years.
2. Salmon: Eat salmon at least twice a week. Salmon is a valuable food with tremendous nutritional value and beneficial properties for healthy skin, a strong immune system, a strong heart and clear mind. It is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids for the body. We are talking about a really great food with a very rich taste.
3. Olive oil: Replace the various vegetable oils or animal fats you consume such as: corn oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, margarine, etc. with olive oil. This makes the way of cooking more healthy. Olive oil is essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Research shows that it contributes to good heart health, due to the monounsaturated fats it contains and the prevention of cancer due to its antioxidant micronutrients (polyphenols).
4. Walnuts: Walnuts are considered one of the most nutritious nuts and have a beneficial effect on our vital organs such as the heart, blood vessels and our brain. They are the richest sources of essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, while they also contain the cardioprotective antioxidants ellagic and gallic acid, valuable for the heart and blood vessels.
5. Aromatic herbs: Sage, rosemary, oregano and thyme. These are powerful antioxidant foods that help with proper cardiovascular function and health.
6. Tofu (soy cheese): According to a recent US scientific study, the soy protein contained in tofu cheese is very good for our heart, more so than animal protein. Most importantly, tofu protein is considered to be of high biological value, which makes it an alternative to meat. This way we can replace meat in our meals, reducing the consumption of harmful fats contained in animal foods without depriving us of the necessary proteins.
7. Oranges: Oranges are very high in pectin, which helps fight cholesterol. Also, thanks to the potassium and the antioxidant substance hesperidin that they contain, they have a protective effect against capillaries, in order to allow the exchange of substances between blood and cells.
8. Oatmeal: According to clinical studies, oatmeal reduces the amount of “bad” cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It is also rich in fiber, B vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates. Oatmeal is considered the breakfast of champions and is a valuable food for the best start of the day.
9. Linseed oil: It is the oil produced from flaxseed. According to research, linseed oil lowers cholesterol, gives our body healthy fats, regulates metabolism and hormonal balance and has a strong role in protecting the heart. Linseed oil has a content of 56% of omega-3 fatty acids and 16% of omega-6 fatty acids, while it gives the feeling of satiety after eating.
10. Hot peppers: Hot peppers prove to be very beneficial for the heart, because they can help regulate blood pressure, lower cholesterol, prevent hardening of the arteries and stop bleeding.
Source: Healthonline.gr
