5 Heart Healthy Foods
Heart plays a vital role in pumping oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body. Hence, heart health is one of the most important aspects of maintaining overall health & well-being. Thankfully, a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Fortunately, Indian cuisine is rich in heart-healthy foods that are both tasty & easy to add into the daily diet.
Through this article, let’s explore these five heart-healthy foods that are probably already a part of your diet.
Top Five Heart-Healthy Foods To Keep You Fit
1. turmeric for heart
Turmeric, a spice used in Indian cooking, is anti-inflammatory in nature. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which reduces inflammation & plaque formation in the heart. Plus, curcumin has antioxidants that naturally protect the heart against damage caused by free radicals.
One of the easiest ways to add haldi into the diet is by adding it to food while cooking or by drinking turmeric tea, which is made by steeping turmeric powder in hot water.
2. oats for heart
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that a diet rich in whole grains, such as oats, can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 21%.
Oats are a staple breakfast for many people, & for a good reason. The type of fiber present in oats is beta-glucan, which has cholesterol-lowering properties. This reduces the risk of heart disease.
3. garlic for heart
Garlic is used in Indian cooking to add flavor and nutrients to food. Garlic contains allicin, a compound that can help reduce cholesterol levels & lower blood pressure. It also has antioxidant properties that can help protect against heart disease.
To get the maximum benefit from garlic, it is best to eat it raw. Or you can crush it & mix it with olive oil to make a healthy salad dressing.
4. whole grains for heart
Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, & millet are a staple in Indian cuisine & are also incredibly beneficial for heart health. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins, & minerals that can help lower cholesterol levels & regulate blood sugar.
One of the most popular ways to incorporate whole grains into the diet is by adding brown rice, quinoa, ragi, and other millet.
5. leafy greens for heart
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, etc, are nutrient-dense & healthy for the heart. They are a good source of fiber & phytonutrients that help cleanse arteries by eliminating fat.
In Indian cuisine, leafy greens are commonly used in the day-to-day menu. Additionally, leafy greens can also be added to your salads or smoothies for a quick & healthy mid-meal snack.
wrap up
A healthy heart is crucial to maintain a healthy life. Lifestyle changes & dietary modifications can help you keep your heart healthy.
From adding turmeric to incorporating leafy greens into smoothies there are many simple ways to make your day-to-day diet even healthier. So next time you sit down to enjoy a delicious meal, remember that you are also doing your heart a favor!
