Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) is one of the most life-threatening diseases afflicting us. In this modern era of high-stress, high sugar-intake, high sodium-intake lifestyle that many of us lead, we become ever more susceptible to the disease. Statistics show that in Singapore, about 21 people have pass away due to cardiovascular disease every day, and nearly 1 out of 3 deaths in Singapore is due to cardiovascular disease. One way we can lower our risk of cardiovascular disease is via a diet of foods that are good for the heart.
Healthy Foods Are the Fun Lifestyle Change That Is Good For The Heart
In an earlier article, we covered that some risk factors for heart disease include smoking, high level of cholesterol, lack of exercise, and obesity. Giving up smoking and getting more regular exercise admittedly, require discipline.
On the other hand, a common cause of heart disease is eating a diet high in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol. Consuming too much of these categories of food can lead to many other serious illnesses. That is why switching to a healthier diet may well be the easier, more fun way we can start protecting our heart. So, here are a few recommended foods that are good for the heart. Can you think of how to creatively incorporate them into your daily diet as delicious dishes?
1. Berries
Whether it is strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, berries have incredible nutrition that is great for your heart. This category of fruit is known to have anthocyanins which are antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation.
2. Dark Chocolate
Eating healthy does not mean we cannot snack on our favourite food. It is all about moderation and having a balanced diet. Many studies have been conducted that prove dark chocolate has many benefits for us and some of them are that it can help to boost our heart health. This is because dark chocolate has a rich proportion of antioxidants. But, do keep in mind that to gain benefits from dark chocolate you must consume it in moderation.
3. Edamame
Edamame is a staple of sushi outlets and beloved by many diners in Singapore. It is a soybean that has soy isoflavones which may help to lower cholesterol levels, and improve the health of your heart. In addition to isoflavone, edamame is also an excellent source of other nutrients that are good for the heart, such as antioxidants and dietary fibre.
4. Fish And Fish Oil
Most fish have a high amount of omega-3 in them, and omega-3 is one of the ingredients that are good for the heart. Fishes like mackerel, salmon and tuna are loaded in omega-3. Studies have shown that consuming omega-3 can help to lessen the risk of arrhythmias and other cardiovascular disease.
5. Green Veggies
There is no doubt that vegetables are good for our health as they have so many benefits on their own. Green vegetables are a good source of ingredients for your heart because green vegetables like kale, spinach, lettuce, etc have a high amount of vitamin K in them. Vitamin K helps in preserving the arteries and it also improves proper blood circulation. Other than that, green vegetables are also known for having a rich amount of other vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
