Heart Healthy Foods
There are many different foods that can help improve cardiovascular health, but many people are not taking the proper steps to educate themselves about this information. Combinations of certain vitamins and nutrients are heart healthy foods and can ward off degenerative disease, as well as, different colds and viruses. Below will be a quick overview and list of foods that are known to improve cardiovascular health, lower cholesterol pressure, as well as, blood pressure.
Salmon
Heart Healthy Foods
Salmon is incredibly rich and filled with Omega-3s (fatty acids.) It’s heart healthy and is great at regulating regular blood flow and exude anti-clogging qualities. High cholesterol levels tend to be an issue when people get older or do not eat healthy foods often. There is good and bad cholesterol but salmon is known to lower triglycerides (bad cholesterol) levels naturally. Additional fish options are mackerel, tuna, trout, and sardines.
Walnuts
Walnuts are also heart healthy foods and a great source of the healthy fats that we so often hear about. Small amounts (such as a handful) are more than enough to help regulate your cholesterol level. Additional options are chia seeds (great for boosting energy levels as well) flaxseed, cashews, and pistachios.
Raspberries
Raspberries are filled with Vitamin C, antioxidants and polyphenols that fight off cancer, as well as are an amazing source of fiber. Many darker berries exude the same qualities and are also heart healthy foods .
Low and Fat Free Yogurts
A great source of probiotics, and potassium – they can help regulate blood pressure as well as maintain cholesterol.
These four heart healthy foods are great for helping maintain optimal health but many others include chickpeas, olive oil, oatmeal, eggplant, okra, and dark chocolate. The best way to really receive the vitamins and nutrients that the body needs daily is to remember to eat the rainbow. It is suggested to find foods that are every color of the rainbow to cover all the different elements that help your body function properly. This is in conjunction to removing excess sugars, unhealthy fats, and drinking at least 64 ounces of water daily.
Giovanni B. Ciuffo, MD – Director, Minimally Invasive and Bloodless Heart Surgery Program
Dr. Ciuffo’s expertise in Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery and Bloodless Heart Surgery is the result of a career dedicated to the development and improvement of these techniques. He currently runs a busy Cardiothoracic Surgery practice and directs a dedicated Minimally Invasive and Bloodless Heart Surgery Program at Mercy Medical Center in Canton, OH.
