8 Best Foods For A Healthy Heart

We know that the heart is the strongest muscle in our body and it works all day, every day without failure.


And because of that whatever we do, it has to be treated with the utmost care.


Here is a list of 8 best foods that should be in our family’s grocery list to ensure our heart is in the best condition possible:


1. Watermelon


Watermelon is a low-calorie treat that is high in fiber and a great source of antioxidants, according to Dr. Sarah Samaan, cardiologist with Legacy Heart Center in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. "It's a fabulous source of lycopene, which has been linked to a lower risk for heart disease and cancer," Samaan says. "Watermelon also supplies citrulline, which may improve the health of our blood vessels and may even have benefits for people with erectile dysfunction and diabetes." Watermelon is also a source of vitamins C and A, as well as potassium and magnesium.


2. Yogurt


Great for a savoury treat that won't clog your arteries, yogurt will protect more than just your heart, says Dr. Andrea Paul, a physician and chief medical officer at Boardvitals.com, an online medical question bank. According to Dr Paul, yogurt protects against gum disease, which can increase our risk of heart disease. Additionally, when we eat low-fat yogurt, we also absorb powerful antioxidants, vitamins, fibre and probiotics that are beneficial to our overall health, digestion and well-being.


3. Tomatoes


Tomatoes contain a solid dose of heart-healthy vitamin C and like watermelon, are rich in lycopene.


4. Avocados


Avocados are full of healthy monounsaturated fats and are a source of potassium, a mineral also known for controlling blood pressure, according to Bridget Swinney, a Texas-based registered dietitian. "They are also a great source of vitamin C, fiber and carotenoids and carotenoids have been associated with a decreased risk of death from cardiovascular disease," Swinney says.


5. Berries


Packed full of antioxidants, berries are a great snack choice to keep your heart healthy. Berries increase good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol while lowering blood pressure. In addition, the low-calorie, fat-free fruit (in any form: fresh, frozen, dried or cooked) contains nutrients that promote bone growth and the conversion of fat to energy.


6. Beans


Just a half-cup of beans a day will keep your heart in optimal shape, according to Georgia-based nutritionist Dr. Keith Kantor. "Soluble fiber is a key reason why beans are beneficial to your heart," Kantor says. According to Kantor the fibre binds to cholesterol and keeps it from being absorbed in the gut and building up to unhealthy levels.


7. Walnuts


Walnuts boost your heart functions with healthy omega-3 fats and antioxidants. According to Bridget Swinney, a Texas-based registered dietitian and the author of 'Eating Expectantly: The Practical and Tasty Guide to Prenatal Nutrition', eating two ounces a day has been shown to improve blood vessel function among people with diabetes and also protect people from heart disease who are at risk for it.


8. Almonds


According to Dr. Chauncey W. Crandall IV, director of preventative medicine at the Palm Beach Cardiovascular Clinic in Florida, just a handful of almonds a day have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol. Almonds are loaded with vitamin E, fibre and protein - all necessary nutrients to keep your heart in top shape.


Source: Livestrong.com