A balanced diet can help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Prioritizing fruits and vegetables, not abusing meat, and avoiding processed foods and foods high in fat and sugar is always a good idea. A balanced diet has a good effect on our health and well-being. It helps us resist disease and guarantees our quality of life.
Going into detail, there are also some foods that, because of their properties, are specifically recommended to prevent heart attacks or other types of heart disease.
If you suffer from any kind of cardiovascular disease, it is important to consult with a doctor or dietitian about the diet that works best for us. However, there are a few foods that are sure to benefit you.
Heart foods
According to Heart Foundation experts, here are ten foods you can't afford to miss in your diet to properly take care of your heart.
1. Nuts. This nut is the king of foods that help us prevent and treat cardiovascular problems because of its high content of Omega-3 fatty acids, which protect the heart.
2. Broccoli. This vegetable is rich in folic acid, zinc, iron, calcium, vitamin K and antioxidants – elements that make it a great ally in reducing the risk of vascular accidents.
3. Dark chocolate. In addition to being delicious, dark chocolate also helps restore arterial elasticity and prevents white blood cells from sticking to the walls of blood vessels. But always in moderation.
4. Strawberry. These spring fruits contain flavonoids that help dilate arteries. At the same time, they protect the endothelium, the inner layer of blood vessels, helping to keep blood pressure under control.
5. Curry. This spice, so typical of Indian cuisine, is very rich in curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that reduces the likelihood of heart failure and hypertension due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Green tea. Tea in general has many health benefits. In particular, one to two cups a day of green tea help prevent cardiovascular disease by helping reduce high blood fat levels.
7. Olive oil. The Spanish Heart Foundation recognizes that daily consumption of olive oil helps protect cardiovascular health due to its fatty acid composition and antioxidants.
8. Salmon. This type of fish is very beneficial for lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increases blood flow, improving the elasticity of artery walls.
9. Red wine. Wine is always taken in moderation and without abuse, it contains ethanol and polyphenols, which have a beneficial effect on inflammatory molecules that cause atherosclerosis.
10. Legumes. In general, all legumes contain high-quality protein and are low in fat, which helps maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels.