Heart Disease
Heart Disease Prevention
Do you know which foods are best at preventing heart disease? There are a few different types of food you can consume that are rich in substances that help fight heart disease and can even reduce its effects. These foods are nutritious and good for you.
Eating more vegetables is the best and easiest way to fight heart disease. Processed foods and fast foods are so easy and convenient to eat that many people forego better food choices such as fresh vegetables and fruit. Fruits and vegetables are wonderful, heart-healthy foods. Vegetables are full of minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium that are essential to good heart health.
Eating foods rich in calcium and magnesium helps to relax the arteries, lower blood pressure and help regulate heartbeat. Studies have shown that many people suffering from heart disease are deficient in magnesium. Calcium has been found to help reduce high blood pressure, lessen angina and stop an irregular heart beat.
Some excellent sources of calcium are: leafy green vegetables, okra, kale, broccoli, almonds, sesame seeds, sardines, salmon, oranges, milk products and figs. Some good sources of magnesium are: dark leafy green vegetables, almonds, cashews, bananas, avocados, barley and pumpkin seeds.
Foods rich in fiber can also help prevent heart disease. Studies have consistently shown that eating more than an ounce of fiber every day have a lower risk of heart attack than those who do not. Fiber aids the heart by sweeping along the digestive tract and binding with cholesterol so that the cholesterol cannot be absorbed. Good sources of fiber are baked beans, apples, broccoli, spinach, blackberries, almonds, kidney beans, cabbage, shredded wheat, bran and peas.
Fiber also helps the body by easing constipation so that there is no need to strain to have a bowel movement. Vigorous straining can interrupt the flow of blood and trigger a circulatory crisis.
There is no debate that adding more vegetables and fiber to your diet well help your heart and your overall health and well-being. A well-balanced diet rich in vegetables and fiber will help you get healthy and stay healthy. It can also help with any heart disease issues you might already have.