Ten Heart Healthy Foods

1- Salmon

Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered essential fatty acids. These are not made in the body so they must be consumed keep the body functioning efficiently. These acids haven been shown to lower the risk of death from heart disease. Eating fish, like Salmon, one to two times a week, can also reduce the risk of suffering a stroke.

2 - Oatmeal

Oatmeal contains Omega-3 fatty acids; magnesium; potassium; folate; niacin; calcium; soluble fiber. Oatmeal lowers the amount of bad cholesterol one has and helps to keep your arteries clear. Oatmeal also helps to lower your blood pressure. Oatmeal is filling and will allow the body to stabilize the blood sugar levels that when high can damage the heart muscle.

3 - Red Wine

Red wine contains resveratrol, which protects the arteries and heart against the saturated fat in one’s diet. A glass of red wine can help protect the heart against cardiovascular diseases. The alcohol in red wine, when consumed in moderation, can also raise the levels of good cholesterol that is in the body as well as aid in prevent the formation of blood clots in the body.

4 - Soy Milk

Soy Milk helps to lower the cholesterol levels in the body. The combination of omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids, and phytoantioxidants, help to protect the bodies blood vessels from hemorrhage. The amount of soy in the milk is the key to keeping the heart healthy.

5 - Brown Rice

Brown rice contains B-complex vitamins; fiber; niacin; magnesium. The rice can help in lower cholesterol in the body. It helps to slow the progression of atherosclerosis, which is the arteries being filled up with plague. The rice contains plant lignans, that have been shown to help protect against heart disease.

 6 - Carrots

Carrots contain Alpha-carotene, which is a carotenoid. Large amounts of carotenoids, in one’s diet, have been shown to lower the chances of heart disease occurring. Carrots also lower the cholesterol levels in the body due to the fiber contained in carrots.

7 - Dark Chocolate

Eating small amounts of dark chocolate a few times a week, has been shown to help lower your blood pressure. It also may be helpful in preventing arteriosclerosis and the formation of blood clots. Dark chocolate is known to improve the bodies blood flow as well.

8 - Blueberries

To see improvements to one’s health, one to two cups of blueberries a day over a 3 month span is recommended. One of the benefits is the lowering of cholesterol. Healthy blood pressure has also been seen in people to consume the recommended amount of blueberries. It has even been shown to lower the blood pressure in those who suffer from high blood pressure.

9 - Red Bell Peppers

While eating any bell pepper is good for you, red bell peppers are seen as the best ones to consume. They are rich in vitamins, such as vitamin A, C, and K. They help to reduce inflammation caused by arthritis and asthma. The K vitamin helps in proper blood clotting.

10 - Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes have a number of health benefits. They contain vitamin B6, which reduces homocysteine in the body. A decrease in homocysteine can help in preventing heart attacks. Vitamin B6 also maintains the passageways that the blood travels through, keeping the heart healthy.They are a fine source of potassium, which helps regulates heartbeat. Potassium assists in lowering blood pressure in the body which keeps the heart beating strong.

Written Ryan McCormick (KJOY Staff Writer)