Suppose you’ve recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure, cholesterol, or prediabetes. In that case, you’re probably seeking strategies to reduce your risk of developing heart disease and avoiding a heart attack or stroke. According to the U.S.A heart-healthy lifestyle should include physical activity, eating nutritious foods, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight..
While numerous supplements can help with heart health, none of them is a cure-all for heart disease. Supplements are most potent when used with a comprehensive heart health plan that includes a nutritious diet, frequent exercise, and excellent sleep habits. Outlined are foods that you should be eating to maximize your heart health.
Top 7 Products That Benefit Your Heart Health:
Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are high in essential nutrients for heart health.
Berries are high in antioxidants which protect against the oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to heart disease development. Several studies have found that consuming plenty of berries can help reduce several risk factors for heart disease.
Although Berries can be a filling snack or a delectable low-calorie dessert, you should try including a few different varieties into your diet to reap their distinct health benefits.
Try Natural Supplements
Nowadays, you can find numerous natural supplements in the market, including CBD, as many individuals use it due to its therapeutic benefits. Of Course, CBD is not a solution for heart failure, but its anti-inflammatory qualities may help to avoid future damage. Additionally, CBD oil may reduce blood pressure and inflammation and maintain a healthy weight. Improving these factors may lower the risk of developing heart failure.
Consult your doctor before using CBD Oil, especially if you are taking other medications or dietary supplements. They can advise you on its safety and prescribe products and dosages.
Furthermore, different CBD strains are being studied to treat several ailments, including heart and circulation diseases and, precisely, diseases of the heart muscle, such as myocarditis and various types of cardiomyopathy.
Olive Oil
This oil is rich in antioxidants suitable for the heart since such antioxidants keep your blood vessels safe. However, when olive oil is substituted for saturated fat (such as butter), it can help decrease cholesterol levels. Additionally, you can serve it with salads, sautéed vegetables, or bread.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D can assist both your heart and general health by protecting bones, improving energy, and regulating insulin levels. One study discovered increasing vitamin D levels through sun exposure (five to ten minutes, two to three times per week). Additionally, eating vitamin D-rich foods (eggs, cheese, tuna, fortified milk, cereals, and juices) reduces high blood pressure. Additionally, other studies have discovered that vitamin D may assist in preventing strokes and diabetes.
If a blood test reveals that someone is deficient in vitamin D or even has low-normal levels, their doctor may advise them to begin taking a vitamin D supplement. A supplement containing 2000 IU per day is generally considered safe.
Coenzyme CoQ10
While CoQ10 occurs naturally in the system, you can increase your intake by eating foods like salmon, tuna, broccoli, and cauliflower. However, adding a CoQ10 supplement to those already using cholesterol-lowering statin medicine can alleviate the muscle aches and joint discomfort that some people experience. Additionally, experts also believe that CoQ10 may help to lower blood pressure
Folate (folic acid)
Vegetables, legumes, and citrus fruits are the best sources of folate, but those with celiac disease or inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn’s may need supplemental folate Unfortunately, if you lack folate, there’s no reason not to take a supplement. One study discovered that taking folic acid regularly could lower the risk of stroke.
Certain medications, such as Rheumatrex (methotrexate), which is used to treat autoimmune illnesses, and seizure medications like Dilantin (phenytoin), can also impact how the body absorbs folate. It is advisable to consult your doctor before beginning a folate supplement to establish the appropriate dosage.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to lower blood pressure, a lower risk of heart disease, inflammation, and stroke. It is also found in flaxseed oil, walnuts, canola oil, and fish. A blood test can determine your omega-3 levels, and if you’re insufficient, your doctor may recommend a supplement.
A daily dose of omega-3 supplements is a decent starting point. However, if a patient’s triglyceride levels are extremely high, some doctors may advise them to increase their dosage. Omega-3 fish oil supplements have been demonstrated to raise (good) HDL cholesterol levels while decreasing plaque development in the arteries.
As well as reducing plaque buildup in arteries, it also reduces heart attack and stroke risks by 26% in predisposed patients. The FDA approved Vascepa as an auxiliary therapy for reducing cardiovascular risks in 2019 as well as its initial approval in 2012 to lower triglycerides.
It is derived from a highly refined version of EPA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in fish). It is the first FDA-approved medicine to lower cardiovascular risk in people with high triglyceride levels as a supplement to statin therapy.
Bottomline
The connection between heart disease and nutrition is becoming stronger as new research emerges. Additionally, what you eat can impact practically every element of heart health, from blood pressure and inflammation to cholesterol and triglycerides.
When consumed as part of nutrition, these heart-healthy foods can help maintain your heart in excellent shape and reduce your risk of heart disease.
