8 Heart-Healthy Foods

According to the CDC, about 600,000 people are affected by heart health in the United States every year.

So what can we do to prevent these issues and help improve our hearts? Instead of just cutting out bad foods, become knowledgeable of which foods are good for your heart so you can make them a part of your families daily diet.

Here 8 of our favorite heart healthy foods:

• We’ve all been told how good carrots are for our eyes, but did you know they can also reduce your risk of suffering a heart attack? Carrots can help protect against coronary artery problems and are full of vitamin K and antioxidants such as beta-carotene.
• Oatmeal is universal, very diverse and has the ability to lower LDL, which is the “bad” cholesterol. Tip: Steel-cut oats contain more fiber.
• Papayas are high in vitamins E and A and help limit the oxidation of cholesterol in the blood stream, which is associated with a lower risk for heart attack and stroke.
• Sweet Potatoes are easy to cook and have many health benefits. They’re loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and a day’s worth of vitamin A.
• Oranges aren’t just full of Vitamin-C, they also reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart failure. We often hear about a banana’s potassium but potassium can also be found in oranges and counterbalances your salt or sodium levels, keeping blood pressure troubles under control.
• The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of salmon a week for a number of great health benefits and it can possibly reduce your risk of a heart attack by up to one-third.
• Cantaloupes are packed with a multitude of nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, potassium, and niacin.
• Avocados may be the only fruit that contains monounsaturated fat. This fat helps to lower bad cholesterol while raising the amount of HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Add to salads, sandwiches and even use it as a spread for toast!
• Okay, this one may not be a food, but red wine when consumed in moderation has been linked to heart health. Red wine can increase your HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and protect you against artery damage. Also packed with antioxidants, these polyphenols can help protect the lining of the blood vessels in your heart. So enjoy and drink responsibly.

Do you have any heart healthy foods you want to add to this list? Email us at hello@naturade.com