5 foods for a strong and healthy heart

Published on:29 August 2022, 06:00pm IST

With the increasing number of heart diseases and disorders, it is important that we improve our lifestyle and include foods in our diet that can keep our heart healthy. So, try these 5 foods for a healthy heart.

Berries to lower cholesterol 1/5

Berries: Berries are a nutritious source of bioactive chemicals like phytonutrients and antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent heart disease and chronic illnesses. These antioxidant rich berries also help in reducing cholesterol levels and inflammation. So, eating a handful of berries like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc. will be good for your heart health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Walnut improves heart health 2/5

WalnutsHaving just a handful of walnuts can help lower your cholesterol levels. Apart from being rich in antioxidants, walnuts are a powerhouse of Omega-3 fatty acids which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It has healthy fats which makes us full for a longer time and keeps us away from bad fats like chips. You can also use walnut oil for salad dressings. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Legumes for heart 3/5

Legumes: Different kinds of legumes can be easily found in any Indian kitchen. They are easy to make, keep you full for a long time and are incredibly nutritious. Legumes are packed with proteins, minerals and fiber. They don’t have saturated fats and can help improve your blood cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. So, add beans and legumes to your daily diet, whether as a curry with roti and rice or whether as sprouts is your choice. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Extra virgin olive oil 4/5

Olive Oil: Now this may seem absurd because oils are not supposed to be good for heart health but that is not the case with olive oil. Studies have shown that those who ate more than half a tablespoon of olive oil each day had a 15% lower risk of having any kind of cardiovascular disease and a 21% lower risk of coronary heart disease. This is because olive oil is known to have antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acid which has proven effective in reducing the risk of heart disease. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Fish for heart health 5/5

Fish: It's a known fact that omega-3 fatty acid is great to prevent heart diseases. Now, fishes are the richest source of omega-3. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel are packed with omega-3 and make them a great heart-healthy food. There are many capsules available too which are made of fish oil and they have proven to be good supplements for heart health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock