Your heart is the muscle that keeps your whole body going. To keep it strong and healthy, you need to avoid certain types of food. At the same time, you need a steady diet rich in important nutrients that promote optimum blood flow. A good heart-healthy diet plan will also help you lower the risk of fatal conditions like strokes and heart attacks.
Foods to Avoid
The goal of any heart-healthy diet plan is to reduce your intake of salt and fats. These two substances have a direct impact on your coronary system and may cause a number of health complications.
Even though your body needs fats, there’s a difference between good and bad fats. The bad saturated and trans fats can cause inflammations, which can then result in diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Similarly, high sodium consumption will increase your blood pressure, which could also lead to many health issues.
You will usually find high amounts of bad fats in red meat, dairy, and pastry. All types of canned food contain lots of sodium that allows them to have a longer shelf-life. These are the types of food you should avoid when following a heart-healthy diet plan.
Foods to Eat
Here are some heart-healthy foods you can eat instead:
- Avocados are rich in good fats and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Legumes (beans, chickpeas, and other lentils) are rich in fibers. These fibers help your body process bad fats and keep your cholesterol levels in check.
- Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids that help secure a steady blood flow.
- Berries are rich in vitamin C and fibers, as well as antioxidants. The antioxidants help maintain cell structure and fight off the harmful free radicals.
- Nuts also provide your body with the good fats it needs to replace the bad ones. Moreover, they’re another great source of omega-3 fatty acids, too.
Final Word
Most diets are primarily designed for weight loss. Unlike them, a heart-healthy diet plan aims to improve your health and create healthy eating habits. You’ll need to make some changes to your current diet, but the benefits for your well-being will make it worth the effort.
