Whether you have a family history of cardiovascular disease or not, it is important to take good care of your heart. In addition to maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding harmful habits, like smoking, eating nutritious foods will benefit your heart. Here are five foods that are great for your heart:
Fatty Fish
If you want to lower your risk of heart disease, it is time to load up on fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and herring. According to the Mayo Clinic, the omega-3 fatty acids in these fish will decrease inflammation in your body, lowering blood pressure and blood clotting risk. Try to have two servings of fish every week.
Beans
Beans are low in fat and high in fiber, which is great for your heart. If you start eating this plant food a few times a week, you can reduce your risk of heart disease. You can incorporate beans into many different meals, including soups and salads. Beans are also very inexpensive, so they will not eat into your food budget.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are another food that are wonderful for your heart. The B6 vitamins in sweet potatoes break down homocysteine, preventing your arteries and arteries from hardening, according to Live Science. Sweet potatoes are also packed with potassium. These potatoes make a great side for many meals and taste sweet.
Blueberries
Blueberries do not just taste sweet and delicious; they can also do great things for your heart. These blueberries are packed with antioxidants and very low in calories. Whether you snack on a cup of blueberries before dinner or add them to your oatmeal, they can prevent heart problems down the road.
Quinoa
Quinoa is definitely a super food you should add to your diet. According to Chatelaine, the magnesium in quinoa relaxes your blood vessels, decreasing the risk of hypertension. In fact, if you do not have enough magnesium in your diet, you are more likely to have high blood pressure. Quinoa is great to add to salads and will keep you full for hours.
As you can see, there are several foods that can benefit your heart. These foods have a lot of flavor, so you will not mind eating them on a regular basis. It is still important, however, to see your doctor every year for a checkup. If you have experienced any heart problems, make sure to tell your doctor.
