Top Foods for a Healthy Heart

Heart disease is the number one killer
in the US
but is very preventable through different life style changes such as nutrition.
A healthy diet is one of the best precautions you can take to help prevent
heart disease. 

In honor of American Heart Month in February, here are a few
foods that are sure to keep you heart healthy:

Salmon

Eating
this type of fish can provide you with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s
are known to lower blood pressure, reduce blood clotting,
decrease stroke and heart failure risk, reduce irregular heartbeats, and reduce
inflammation. No wonder salmon is so heart healthy! Try to eat about 8 ounces
of salmon per week. If salmon isn’t your thing then try a different type of
fish to get the omega-3 fatty acids that you need.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal
is packed with fiber that helps regulate blood sugar levels and get excess
cholesterol out of the body. To achieve this benefit, try to eat about 3 grams
of soluble fiber per day. This would be about a cup and half of oatmeal in the
morning.

Walnuts

Walnuts
are full of omega-3s, fiber, Vitamin E, and folate all of which promote a
healthy heart. Not only that but they are rich in polyunsaturated fats. These
kinds of fat have been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels. Be careful
though cause nuts are high in calories. Serving size for walnuts is about 15
walnut halves.

Spinach

Spinach
is rich in potassium which can lower blood pressure levels. It is also low in
calories and a great source of fiber.

Blueberries

Blueberries
are one of those super fruits! They are filled with antioxidants that are
beneficial to lowering blood pressure.
These are just some of the
foods that can help you maintain a healthy heart. Keep in mind that physical
activity works hand in hand with a healthy diet to prevent heart disease.
 

Blog post by Krista Post.