In today’s fast paced and busy life we neglect healthy food.We often eat junk foods not realising the side effects on our health. Junk food increases the cholesterol level in the blood and can damage our arteries and also raising the risk of heart stroke or heart attack.
Here are some of the best foods that you should incorporate into your daily life to increase the longevity and wellness of your heart.
1.Yogurt
It is one of the best known pro-biotic food.The healthy bacteria from yogurt enters into the intestine, which helps in breaking down bile acids that are secreted into the intestine and hence the cholesterol is not reabsorbed but is flushed out.The activity carried by this bacteria is useful in lowering cholesterol naturally.Yoghurt contains many vitamins that help to lose belly fat. Presence of amino acids helps to burn fat as well.
2.Olive oil
Olive oil is one of the healthiest oil. It is rich in poly-phenols and natural antioxidants .It provides protection of LDL particles from oxidative damage. Poly-phenols absorb free radicals that help the improvement of the cardiovascular system and other ailments. Olive oil contains mono-saturated fat that is responsible for the wellness of the heart .Mediterranean countries, mainly use olive oil as a part of their Mediterranean diet. Just add 2 tbsp of olive oil in your daily diet to cut risk of heart disease and also to lose weight.
3.Oats
Oats are one of the preferred healthy breakfast as it contains soluble dietary fibre that helps in healthy weight and healthy heart. Soluble fibres present in Oats helps in lowering of LDL (bad) blood cholesterol level. Kick-start your breakfast with a bowl of oats made with skimmed milk and topped with dried fruits and nuts to give you a healthy boost and to keep your weight in control.
4.Almonds
Almonds are rich in antioxidants that prevents damage to cells in your body and are high in mono-saturated fats that keep your heart healthy.As they are high in potassium they help in maintaining normal blood pressure. When you substitute almonds in place of the bad fats (trans fat) you can decrease LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Don’t eat too much, but at least one handful of almonds a day is good for your heart. Apart from eating almond as a whole you can use as an ingredient in the preparation of another recipe.Make a healthy food with plain yogurt by topping with chopped almonds and dried fruits.
5.Apples
Eating an apple a day keep your heart healthy and lowers the level of cholesterol. Apples contain pectin a soluble fibre that blocks the cholesterol absorption in the gut and hence helps in lowering the cholesterol levels. It has been found that individuals who ate apples had the lowest risk of suffering a stroke. Apple also contains powerful antioxidants that help to reduce the damage caused by free radicals and also helps in boosting immune system. Eat an apple a day and keep your heart stroke away.
6.Honey
Honey is known for its healing properties and other beneficial effect for thousands of years. Honey is rich in polyphenols that have promising effect in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Honey is rich in antioxidants that helps prevent narrowing arteries and lowering bad cholesterol. As it is rich in vitamins, it strengthens the immune system and helps the body metabolism to function properly. If you want to see the healthy benefit of honey mix 2 tbsp of honey in 1 glass of lime water and drink it. Incorporate honey into your diet by substituting them with other caloric rich foods so as get the best results.
7.Garlic
Studies have shown that garlic lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and prevents hardening of arteries that can lead to heart stroke. Fresh Garlic keeps your cardiovascular system healthy and due to its antioxidant effect, it protects against free radical damage. Instead of eating raw garlic alone , try to use as an ingredient in the preparation of different recipe.