The scary truth is that the number one killer of women is heart disease. That means you should be diligently taking care of your ticker by making healthy eating and lifestyle choices. That includes plenty of exercise, no smoking and keeping your drinking under control. It also means you should be eating foods that boost heart health, like the ones on this list. If you ever worry that you are having a heart attack or that your heart isn’t functioning properly, see a doctor ASAP.
1 Mushrooms Are a Yummy Choice
Mushrooms are one of the better food sources of vitamin D. You’ve probably heard you need it for healthy bones, but recent research finds that people with low levels of vitamin D have an increased risk of heart disease. Let your mushrooms soak up the sunshine for about 30 minutes to boost their content of vitamin D. Then eat them in salads or soups.
Frequently asked questions
2 You Get to Eat Peanut Butter!
If you’ve heard that peanut butter is a no-no for a healthy diet, it’s time to change your way of thinking. The fat that peanut butter contains is largely the good kind that works to protect your heart rather than harming it. That means you can safely enjoy a couple tablespoons without any guilt. Peanut butter has been linked to a lower incidence of heart disease so enjoy it on your sandwich or whipped into a banana smoothie.
3 Spice Things up with Garlic
The reason why garlic has such a strong and distinctive smell is because it contains sulfur. Research shows that the sulfur can actually produce a gas that keeps your blood vessels relaxed and your blood pressure in the normal range. So go ahead and add an extra clove of garlic to your favorite savory recipes.
4 Add Dates to Your Grocery List
Dates are a fruit you can often find in the bulk bins at the grocery store. They are packed with potassium, a nutrient that helps regulate your blood pressure and keep your heart health in tip top shape. They may also help slash triglycerides, further reducing your risk of heart disease. Dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in bacon are a treat you’ll never regret eating.
5 Oranges Are Always a Healthy Option
There are so many great reasons to eat oranges and your heart health is definitely one of them. Orange peels contain a type of fiber called pectin, which plays a role in heart health by sopping up the bad cholesterol in your body. Add grated orange peel to muffins, oatmeal or homemade marinades to reap the benefits.
6 Have a Bowl of Oatmeal for Breakfast
Oatmeal is a standout choice for a couple of reasons. First, it contains a great dose of fiber, which helps slough out cholesterol so your heart stays in top functioning form. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy kind of fat that studies show has a proven effect on positive heart health. Add some fruit and you have a morning meal fit for a queen.
7 You Knew Salmon Would Make the List, Right?
When it comes to heart health, salmon will always be a number one choice. Like oatmeal, it’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy heart. Salmon is also linked to reduced blood pressure levels. Experts say that people who eat two servings of salmon each week can cut their risk of heart attack by one-third.
Which of these foods do you love the best? Which ones do you plan to start eating today?
