Your physical health is contingent on the foods you eat. Your heart especially is under the influence of your diet.
If you take a diet that is high in fat, it poses the risk of deposition of plaques in the blood vessels. This leads to hypertension, clot formation, and even heart attack.
Similarly, a diet high in salt also increases the danger of high blood pressure. A problem unto itself, high blood pressure also posits the risk of other problems like stroke.
Hence, it is important that you take foods that are good for your heart, alongside following the medical advice dispensed by the General Physician.
Foods to keep your heart happy
Apple
An apple a day is said to keep the doctor away, and that is not just hyperbole. When eaten with peel, they are a good source of fiber. Apples also help in lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, apples also help with reducing the calcification of arteries.
You can eat apples as is but can also make a lovely fruit salad.
Chocolate
Chocolate is almost everyone’s favorite, and the good news is, it is also good for the heart as well. It helps in lowering cholesterol levels. People with diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease and chocolate helps in averting this risk; chocolate is good for protecting the blood vessels against damage.
There is one caveat however, you need to take chocolate with high cocoa content. So, take dark chocolates with over 60% cacao.
Flaxseeds
Seeds are good for your health, especially flaxseeds. They are helpful in reducing high blood pressure. Moreover, they also have ample fiber, which is also required for to keep your heart healthy.
Flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids that are also good for to keep your heart healthy. You can either consume flaxseeds on their own, or use them to top salads, smoothies, and yogurt.
Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are an extremely good source of fiber. They also are full of antioxidants. Furthermore, green vegetables also contain nutrients that are good for the cardiovascular system.
Oat
Oats make for a good breakfast choice. They are a good source of fiber alongside being good for reducing bad cholesterol levels. Oats are also good for preventing the risk of cardiovascular diseases as well.
You can cook oats with milk or water, or use rolled oats to make a smoothie.
Olive oil
Olive oil is a part of the Mediterranean diet and for good reason. It is extremely healthy and is also good for the heart. It helps in lowering bad cholesterol levels. Moreover, olive oil also helps in reducing the damage done to the arteries.
You can use olive oil for cooking, utilize it as a salad dressing or make use of it as a dip even.
Tomato
Tomatoes are also good for your heart. They are good for preventing cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, they also help in lowering the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. Furthermore, tomatoes also help with lowering blood pressure, which makes it a great food for those suffering from hypertension.
Tomatoes are also very versatile to cook. Make a puree, cook a soup, add to salad; there are so many ways to utilize tomatoes.
Walnuts
Walnuts are also great for the heart. They are rich in antioxidants, that then protect the body against oxidative stress. Moreover, they are also an excellent source of essential fatty acids, that not only help the body function better but also keep the heart-healthy.
You can eat walnuts as is, but you can also add them to salads, yogurt, etc.
Salmon
Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA. They help in lowering inflammation and blood pressure, that if not checked, required treatment from the Best General Physician in Islamabad. Moreover, salmon is also good for the arteries.
