Foods for a Healthy Heart

Apples: An apple a day keeps the doctor away: a very clichéd saying but very true. Phytochemicals, present in apples, act as an anti-inflammatory and also prevent the blood from clotting. It is also high on fibres and vitamins. An apple also makes the perfect snack for someone who is always on the go. Plus it is available in different varieties, so you might not get bored of it soon. Add a few chopped pieces of apple in your Greek salad making it healthier.

Almonds: Have you been avoiding nuts for the oil they contain? If yes, then bring it back to your plate because this oil is actually healthy for your heart. The Vitamin E that almonds contain helps in keeping your cholesterol level under control. Like apples, almonds are also high on fibre and Vitamin content. Again a perfect 5 PM snack. Add to your heart's health by eating 4–5 soaked almonds each morning with your breakfast.

Soy: Soy is not a very tasty option but it's really good for your heart. Soy protein can prevent you from having a stroke. It is also a great replacement for the red meat that you've been trying to cut on. This will help in reducing the intake of saturated fats. Add a few chunks of soy to your rice or stir fry it with your veggies. You can also use soy milk as a substitute for regular milk, for making milk shakes and with your morning cereal.

Berries: Strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, mulberry, huckleberry, gooseberry and all the other berries are a pack load of vitamin C. With so many flavours you can possibly never get bored of eating berries. Apart from vitamin C they also contain calcium and beta-carotene. These fibrous fruits are perfect with breakfast oats or with yogurt. Out of all these berries blueberry has the most nutrients that will keep your heart healthy.

Salmon: Your heart will love you for the fresh salmon you have and so will your taste buds. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids. This will help your blood from clotting. It is suggested that you should eat fish (sea food) atleast twice a week for a healthy heart. Opt for grilled fish and avoid spicy seasoning. You can also add a dash of lime to it for an excellent flavour and add it to your green salad.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain lycopene (a phytochemical) that is known to lower cholesterol, cut risk of colorectal cancer and heart disease. Studies show that men who regularly eat food rich in lycopene have lesser chances of developing prostate cancer and heart disease. You might want to start enjoying tomato sauce as it has more lycopene. Cooked tomato works much better on your body that raw ones. So start adding it to your vegetables and salads. Tomato is also known to improve memory and other signs of aging.

Green leafy vegetables and olive oil are vital for maintaining a healthy heart. One serving of leafy greens a day can be key to preventing heart disease. So add them in plenty to your daily diet!

Whole Grain: Starting the day with whole-grain cereal may lower the risk of heart failure in the long run, as whole grains protect against coronary heart disease.

Oats: Start your day with a bowl of oats! Oats are full of fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and potassium, and can help lower cholesterol levels and keep arteries clear.

Brown rice: may be a better choice over white because it has an ingredient that protects against high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. It is also a good source of fibre and helps lower cholesterol levels in the body.