A balanced and healthy diet is extremely important to maintain good health. But have you ever considered the kind of foods that you need to be eating to pay particular attention to your hearts health? Often, people get swept up with fad diets and detox cleanses, but these food habits can have an adverse effect. If you have a history of heart disease, or if it runs in your family, you need to take special care to ensure you are eating to keep your heart hail and healthy. Try incorporating some of these super foods in your daily diet to ensure you are giving your heart the best nourishment it can receive.

1. Oats

Oatmeal is very high in soluble fibre content which is effective in lowering cholesterol levels in the body. Oats have a high absorbent quality and soak up cholesterol and fats from the bloodstream once they enter the digestive tract. They prevent the further release of harmful cholesterol, digest it instead and eliminate it from the body eventually. This helps keep the arteries unclogged and the heart functioning better. To know more about how you can add oats to your diet, click here.

2. Almonds

Almonds are rich in monosaturated fats, Vitamin E and fibres which are all essential ingredients to keep up good heart health. Consumption of monosaturated fats has been known to lower bad cholesterol and prevent heart diseases and strokes. Consuming nuts also provides the body with nutrients and proteins required to maintain and develop muscles and build a lean frame. This helps to keep the body in its best shape and prevent further problems by relieving stress on the heart. You can add almonds to your diet in new and interesting ways.

3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

People living in Mediterranean regions are known for their great skin and good health. And one of the secrets to this is their regular consumption of natural, extra virgin olive oil. Olives and its naturally extracted oil is full of good fats which keep the body well nourished and keep the heart functioning at its optimal levels. Replace your standard vegetable oils and start cooking regularly with olive oil. Switching your old oil for 3-4 spoonfuls of olive oil per day can do a lot of good for overall health.

4. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are an excellent source of potassium and lycopene which is an antioxidant element. Lycopene is a carotenoid which helps eliminate bad cholesterol from the body and keep the blood vessels open. This helps prevent blockages and keeps the circulation at appropriate levels thus lowering the risk of a heart attack. Tomatoes are naturally low in sugar and can be consumed daily without worry. Adding tomatoes to your diet can greatly enrich health benefits of these super foods.

5. Spinach

Popeye’s secret to super strength is also the key to a healthy heart. Spinach is rich in potassium and folate which helps to reduce blood pressure thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases. Naturally packed with carotenoids and antioxidants, spinach is also full of fibre and vitamin content which keeps your heart healthy and beating better than ever. You can eat spinach in salads, juice it, cook it or consume supplements based on your personal preferences. To know more about it, click here.

6. Pomegranate

Pomegranates are full of antioxidants and polyphenols which prevent the hardening of arteries. Its heart healthy components prevent deposition of bad fats in the blood vessels and ensure that a consistent and regular blood flow is maintained drastically reducing the risk of heart attacks. 

7. Guggul

Guggul has been a part of ancient Ayurvedic treatments for generations. It works to combat obesity and arthritis thus helping improve heart function. The ketonic steroid compounds found in the guggul supplements, called gugglesterones, are able to break down the plaque that is deposited on the inner walls of the arteries causing them to thicken.

Consuming guggul also helps to increase the rate of metabolism which fights obesity and helps in weight management which relieves stress on the heart and reduces risk of heart diseases later in life. To know about how you can consume guggul, click here.