Although most people equate taking care of the heart with proper exercise and limiting the kind of food you eat, it does not mean that you cannot enjoy a nice plate of your favorite food every now and then. In fact, a number of studies have shown promising results when it comes to some of your favorite food:
1. Coffee
While most people associate drinking coffee with higher sugar level, this is not actually the case. A number of studies have shown that drinking coffee especially in women, regardless whether it is decaf or regular coffee, has been shown to significantly decrease risk for heart problem. This was primarily because coffee slows down digestion which allows for healthier blood sugar level. It has also been known to increase good cholesterol.
2. Dark Chocolate
If you have a sweet tooth, eating dark chocolate is the best way to go if you also want to take care of your heart. A German study has shown that eating dark chocolate results to healthier blood vessels. This is as a result of the chemical Flavanoids that is inherent to the cocoa used in making chocolates.
3. Popcorn
It’s not just popcorn, actually. According to studies, eating whole grained cereal and foods can be likened to eating a healthy serving of fruits and vegetables. This is because both contain polyphenols which has been known to be an antioxidant. Polyphenol can also be found in red wine.
4. Oatmeal
Whether you eat it with nothing on or fill it with your favorite fruit, a bowl of oatmeal is one of the best ways to start your day, and to make sure that you have a healthy heart. This is because, oatmeal tends to have omega-3 fatty acids which has been proven, along with folate and potassium, to prevent plaque buildup along the walls of your blood vessels as well as ensure that bad cholesterol is kept to a minimum.
5. Salmon and Other Fishes
If you think oatmeal is the only great source of Omega-3, think again. Salmon is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. That being the case, at least two servings a week can already lessen your chances of suffering from a heart attack by about a third. Aside from this, Salmon is also known to be a good source of carotenoid astaxanthin, a very powerful antioxidant. Of course, you need to make sure that you go for wild salmon as they have lesser probability of containing chemicals. Other fish types that you might want to consider woould include Mackerel, Sardines, Herring, and Tuna.
6. Nuts and Berries
Yes, nuts are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. They are also great for aiding in digestion as they contain fiber. Berries, on the other hand, are great for anti-inflammation which results to lower risk for heart diseases. As a plus, berries are also known for lowering the chances of developing cancer. Almonds, blueberries, and blackberries are just some of the more popular choices among health freaks.
Now, although most of these food types are great to have, the kind of lifestyle that you have can still have an impact on your health. That being the case, if you or someone in your family is at high risk for heart attack, make sure that you have an AED unit ready.
