The human heart, about the size of a pear, is an organ that pumps blood throughout the body via the circulatory system, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and removing carbon dioxide and other wastes.
The blood carries oxygen and all the food, vitamins and minerals that your body needs to move, think, grow and repair. The blood is pumped all around the body and gets back to the heart in about 1 minute.
The heart is one of the five vital organs that are essential for survival. We need to look after our heart extremely well to keep us in good shape.
Our heart is a muscle, and for it to be strong we need to exercise and keep your weight in check.
In addition to this, we need to sleep well and avoid stress. Diet is most important for the heart and our bodies need to be as alkaline as possible. The best foods for a healthy heart are fruits, vegetables, nuts and sprouts. However, we need healthy fats and grains as well.
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These fatty acids help to reduce high cholesterol, lower cancer risk, reduce inflammation and are a tonic for the heart by preventing clots and plaque. Good sources of fatty acids include walnuts, almonds, avocados, avocado oil, flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines, olive oil and soybean oil.
2. Vitamin K Foods: Vitamin K is very important for heart health as it is very important for blood clotting. It also keeps blood pressure lower by enabling the heart to pump blood freely through the body. Good sources of Vitamin K come from leafy greens like spinach, kale, parsley, collard greens, grapes, stone fruits, soya beans, dairy products, eggs and some meat products. Studies show that a higher intake of leafy greens is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
3. Whole Grains: Eating whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice, oats, rye, buckwheat and quinoa are very useful for the heart. They are associated with lower cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, and lower the risk of heart disease.
4. Berries: Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blackberries are loaded with antioxidants like anthocyanins which protect us against oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to developing heart disease. Please include these in your diet.
5. Beans and Legumes: Beans are high in resistant starch and have been known to reduce levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Excellent for heart health.
6. Garlic Garlic has been shown to help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Also inhibits their clot formation.
7. Green Tea: Green tea is high in polyphenols and catechins so are excellent for the heart.
8. Also include potassium rich foods like sweet potatoes, bananas, squash & avocado.
9. Dietary fibre (soluble & insoluble) are connected to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Fruits, Vegetables & Dried fruits like raisins, prunes, dates & apricots are loaded with fibre.
10. Hydrate well: Water is very important for our cells.
11. Foods to Avoid: Foods in trans fats & saturated fats and sugar, crackers, doughnuts, fried, processed, refined foods, high sodium foods & red meat.
Please stay away from all Junk food.
All the best and happy healing from Naturally Dimpi!!