5 Foods for a Healthy Heart

Isn’t it annoying how some people just glow from the inside out? And no, it’s not botox! But, don’t worry, you don’t need to be jealous anymore. We give you their secret. There are certain foods whose special properties help you keep your heart healthy in addition to making you look radiant! Here is a list of such foods that can be great for your heart. 

Olive oil
This contains monounsaturated fats which keep the arteries of your heart clear by breaking down any excess harmful cholesterol. “This allows the heart to pump oxygen without any obstruction,” says Dr Amir Khambatty, a nutritionist at Satdev Clinic, Mumbai. Virgin olive oil is even better because it contains polyphenols that are antioxidant in nature, further enhancing the circulation of oxygen.


Red wine
This is an extremely rich source of the antioxidants flavnoid phenolics. “These antioxidants naturally prevent blood clots. They also reduce blood vessel damage caused by fat deposits by raising the level of HDL (good cholesterol) in your heart,” says Dr Khambatty.

Whole grains
The fibre in whole grains such as oatmeal, whole wheat bread and brown rice can help reduce the risk of heart disease. “Cholesterol can lead to heart attacks since it tends to block the arteries. Fiber is required by the heart since it is known to naturally reduce blood cholesterol levels in the heart,” says Dr Khambatty.

Spinach
This is an excellent source of iron. “The deficiency of iron in the body leads to anaemia as a result of which the number of red blood cells in the body decreases,” says Dr Mansi Pidnekar, a nutritionist at Ruby Hospital, Mumbai. The heart needs iron so that it can pump blood to all parts of the body for efficient functioning.

Nuts
These contain a lot of unsaturated fatty acids. “Coronary heart disease is caused due to the accumulation of saturated fatty acids. By eating nuts, these saturated fats will be replaced by unsaturated fats,” Dr Pidnekar. In this way, you are at a reduced risk of getting coronary problems.

If you eat healthy and nutritious food, your heart will function well, making you healthier so that you can enjoy life more!