Heart-Healthy and Cholesterol-Lowering Foods

Heart-Healthy and Cholesterol-Lowering Foods

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in your blood and is naturally produced by your body. However, due to bad dietary habits, this cholesterol level can increase and make the plaque build up in the arteries. This becomes the reason for a stroke, heart attack, and other ailments. So, here is a list of foods for heart health, cholesterol to help you lead a healthy life.

Avocados
According to the studies, avocados contain an ideal ratio of fatty acids that help manage cholesterol and support the health of your heart. These can be consumed on their own or made into salad dressings, dips and can even be added to smoothies to produce that smooth, creamy texture.

Fatty fish
Among various foods for heart health, cholesterol, fatty fish is widely recommended. Fish varieties that have omega-3 are known to reduce the risk of a cardiac arrest. You can consume one-pound wild fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, or sardines per week to increase your consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. Also, you can try fish supplements after consulting your doctor.

Green leafy vegetables
By following a diet rich in green leafy vegetables, you can lower the risk of high blood pressure as well as life-threatening heart diseases. You can eat them raw, or you can sauté them in olive oil. Spinach, chard, and arugula are some of the highly nutritious leafy greens that can be included in your diet.

Food rich in vitamin K
When it comes to trying foods for heart health, cholesterol, experts suggest vitamin-rich foods. Proper consumption of foods rich in vitamin K can eliminate the chances of developing any cardiovascular disease. These foods may include chicken breast, egg yolks, fermented soybeans, and grass-fed ground beef.

Raw nuts and seeds
Raw nuts and seeds such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, chia seeds, and hemp seeds can create a positive impact on your cardiovascular health. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, they can help lower the bad cholesterol in your body. You can add them to the top of your salads or smoothies to make them even more flavorful.

Green tea
The long list of foods for heart health, cholesterol also includes green tea. An excellent source of antioxidants, green tea provides maximum assistance in combating oxidative stress in the body and further minimizes the chances of any cardiovascular abnormalities. So, drink one or two cups of green tea every day to maintain your health.

Dark chocolate
Consumption of dark chocolates is also linked with proper vascular function. To manage your cholesterol levels, you need to look for the chocolate that has more than eighty percent of cacao and less than five grams of sugar.

With a few lifestyle and dietary changes, you can seamlessly manage your cholesterol levels and keep your heart health in check. Also, the above-mentioned foods for heart health, cholesterol can help you in leading a healthier life and reduce the risk of heart-related diseases.