Happy Valentine’s Day – tis the season of self-love!
Before you reach for that bag of Cheezels, think about your heart and give it the love it deserves. These heart-healthy foods make not look as sexy as that double cheeseburger, but it can protect your body and heart from damage while reducing blood pressure, cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Now that’s true love.
1. Fish
Oily fish such as salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids, a type of unsaturated fatty acids which are great for your heart. It can help to prevent inflammation in your body which in turn, protects your heart and blood vessels against damage. But that’s not all, omega 3 has also been found to reduce high blood pressure, blood clotting, as well as the risk of stroke, heart failure and heart arrhythmias. With that said, don’t forgo having at least one to two servings of fish per week, especially fatty or oily fish, for a healthier heart.
2. Nuts
Nuts have been called out for their potential benefit in helping to reduce the risk of heart diseases like cardiovascular or coronary artery disease. Studies have reported that people who ate nuts had a lower risk of heart disease compared to those who didn’t. More interestingly, walnuts are highlighted as a particularly good type of nut for heart health. But why walnuts? It may be because they’re rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which protects your heart and blood vessels against inflammation.
3. Berries
Blueberries and strawberries are filled with compounds called anthocyanins that can lower blood pressure and maintain your blood vessels’ elasticity. One study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health found that women who eat at least three servings of blueberries and strawberries a week can slash their risk of heart attack by a third. So, the next time you go grocery shopping, don’t forget adding these amazing fruits to the pile; it’s a berry good way to protect your heart.
4. Whole Grains
Whole grains are rich in antioxidants, phytoestrogens and phytosterols, which help to lower your risk of coronary heart disease. A study by Harvard found that people with a high-fibre diet had their heart disease risk lowered by 40%!
Oatmeal is a good example of a whole grain. Due to its high fibre content, it can make you feel fuller after a meal and lowers your risk of high blood cholesterol. Oatmeal is also packed with omega 3 fatty acids which, as mentioned previously, helps to reduce the risk of heart disease.
5. Dark Chocolate
Believe it or not, chocolate can be healthy for you when it’s made of at least 70% cocoa! It’s rich in flavanols, substances that prevent blood clots and inflammation. Cocoa also protects your blood vessels and lowers blood pressure, which boosts heart health. But this doesn’t mean you can go all out with those sinfully sweet chocolates; a large amount of sugar and additives can offset the bountiful benefits that comes with dark chocolate.
Apart from these heart-healthy foods, you can also fortify your diet with supplements that contain omega-3, antioxidants or vitamins and minerals. We’ve got a wide range of supplements and healthy snacks on our specially curated wellness Marketplace just for you.
There’s no better time to practice self-love – give your heart and body the gift of health and start shopping today. Click here to enter Marketplace!
