Heart health is incredibly important for the overall health and wellness of the body. The heart is responsible for circulating properly oxygenated blood throughout the body to ensure that everything is functioning normally and efficiently.
Importance of Heart Health
Your heart is the center of your cardiovascular system and it’s vitally responsible for just about everything that gives your body life. It’s the ‘motor’ that keep you going and should be loved, supported and nurtured as such.
Here are the top ten whole foods to add to your diet and promote heart health. Including these foods into your diet on a regular basis with help keep your heart healthy and your body happy and strong!
1. Salmon
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Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for protecting the heart and blood vessels for optimal health and wellness. Making a meal with this nutrient-dense food just a couple times a week can help promote a healthy heart, without having to worry about supplements or fish oil capsules.
2. Oatmeal
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Oatmeal is filled with plenty of nutrients and minerals, such as soluble fiber, calcium, potassium, magnesium, folate and niacin. These minerals are adept at protecting the heart and blood cells, as well as regulating various bodily systems.
3. Kidney and Black Beans
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Beans are important for helping to keep digestion moving and healthy, but they are also a heart healthy food as well. Both black and kidney beans contain B-complex vitamins, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium and more.
4. Nuts
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Walnuts and almonds are a great snack and also happen to promote heart health. Raw, unsalted nuts are easy to carry on the go and contain high levels of Vitamin E, mono and polyunsaturated fats, plant omega-3 fatty acids and phytosterols. All of which are powerful heart-healthy super stars!
5. Tomatoes
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Tomatoes are high in heart-healthy potassium. Plus, they’re a good source of the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid that may help get rid of “bad” cholesterol, keep blood vessels open and lower your risk for heart attacks. And because they’re low in calories and low in sugar, they’re a great addition to a balanced diet.
