How to Choose Foods Good for Your Heart?

Foods good for your heart are the most trending topic in our society. Why do we need good foods for the heart? How does the heart affect us? All these and many other questions surround our minds in various ways. So, here we are going to discuss a few of them.

According to the Best Cardiologist in Hyderabad Heart is the major organ of the body. We have to take extraneous care of the heart. Due to the changes in the food habits, individuals lifestyle every human is affected with one or the other disease.

Many best Interventional cardiologists suggest we take intense care of our health by changing our food habits according to our age.

The heart can be affected for several infinite reasons. But all those can be controlled with the proper diet and the good food we eat.

The Cardiologist explained the below reasons behind the various Heart diseases:

Top 50 Amazing Foods Good for Your Heart

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes for a long period.
High blood pressure.
The increase of cholesterol levels within the body.
Congenital heart disorders which occur at the time of birth.
Excess consumption of alcohol or other harmful drinks.
Continuous smoking.

Types of Heart Diseases:

Let us see the different types of heart diseases that are mentioned by the best cardiac surgeon in Hyderabad India.

Rheumatic heart disease
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Heart Attack
Heart Failure
Heart Valve Disease
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Arrhythmias
Cardiomyopathy
Cerebrovascular disease
Congenital Heart Disease

( Also Read: How to Start a Perfect Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health? )

Do you know there are different food items according to the type of Heart Disease?

Foods to eat after a heart attack: Most people survive after a first heart attack and many of them neglect their food habits which leads to serious heart diseases.

Here are a few precautions for food to be considered.

Fruits and juices
Dark chocolate in the limit
Skinless poultry and fish
Oils as olive oil
Eat nuts every day.

Healthy meals after heart surgery: After heart surgery, it is difficult to recover immediately and it takes more patience and time. One must follow the below steps to recover early.

Take more vegetable soups with less salt and other spices.
Cauliflower soup with almonds is great food for heart surgery people.
Eat low-fat food items Avoid saturated foods

Foods to eat after open heart surgery: open heart surgery people should avoid eating outside food with high-fat content. Consider the below points to make a healthy diet.

Eat more protein foods
Eat small meals every 2 hours.
Drink more juices
Intake of the high amount of nutrients is a must.
Add fish for a minimum of twice a week in your meals

Along with the listed food items here, one must also consider the below-given foods list which are good for the heart and which make the heart healthy.

( Also Read: Best foods to improve your Immune System )

Steps to be taken after any heart treatment along with the foods for a healthy heart:

Wound care: Keep the surgery area clean and dry. Add medication if necessary. Never itch or keep it wet.
Medication: Take proper medication prescribed by the doctor on time and never skip any medication.
Activities: Never be lazy. Start daily activities slowly and boost yourself continuously. Try to be more active and energize always.
Foods: Try to eat meals in small quantity with some time lapse as after surgery you may not want to eat meals.
Be Strong: Surgery disturbs emotionally and physically. Be strong in both ways. Keep calm and don't take the unnecessary stress.
Spirit up: Always encourage yourself, don't feel low or depressed. Dress well, Start walking daily, work on your hobbies and other social activities, engage more with people, don't sit alone, get good sleep.
Consult Doctor: Always consult a doctor for a diet plan and go for monthly check-ups until you are fit and recovered totally.

( Also Read: How to do the best yoga for heart blockage? )

Here is the list of the top 50 best foods good for your heart :

Non-Vegetarian:

Salmon: It is rich in vitamins B, and D, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, proteins, and other nutrients. It is considered as the best food for heart-diseased people. It decreases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart arrhythmia, controls blood pressure and diabetes, and improves metabolism in the heart. Eat at least 2-3 times a week to maintain a healthy heart.
Liver: According to William Davis, MD, a Wisconsin-based preventive cardiologist and author of Wheat Belly liver contains good fat which keeps the heart healthy and makes it stronger. Eating the liver on a limit will not cause excess fat in the body.
Chicken: It strengthens bones, protects the heart, boosts the immune system, and prevents heart attacks. It contains vitamins B6, B12, proteins, and other nutrients. When eating chicken always consider organic, pasteurized, and local farm chicken as they are having more health benefits than stored chicken.

Nuts:

Peanuts: These have a high amount of mono and polyunsaturated fat which helps in smooth blood flow to the heart. Add peanuts to your meals and other food items.
Walnuts: These nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants which lowers cholesterol levels and inflammations in the body. It protects the heart from harmful molecules.
Almonds: It contains Vitamin B2, E, Magnesium, and Zinc. All these have the capacity to reduce stress, control mood swings, antioxidants which make heart much stronger. Soak almonds overnight in water, take off peal and eat early in the morning.
Raisins: They have the power to lower blood pressure, stress and bad cholesterol if taken thrice a day. It also protects the arteries. It works more effectively when taken with soy milk
Blue Berries: These are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and calcium which protect heart valves from valve diseases and reduce heart risks.
Raspberries: It contains the high amount of polyphenols antioxidants which control radicals in the heart. It also contains fibers, nutrients and other minerals which help in the reduction of heart stroke risk.
Avocado: It is the great source of potassium, nutrients, anti-inflammation properties, oleic-acid. These all will protect the heart from chronic disorders, reduces cholesterol, and decreases symptoms of arteries and other heart diseases.
Cherries: It improves sleep, increases heart blood flow. It contains a high number of flavonoids and anti-oxidant properties. It reduces the risk of heart attacks, especially in women. Eat raw cherries daily.

Nuts and fruits for healthy heart

Seeds:

Flax seeds: These are the good source of poly-unsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids along with other minerals. This strengthens the heart, controls heart rhythms and other functionalities.
Chia seeds: It boosts the immune system, reduces heart disease causes as it contains a high quantity of omega-3 and other fatty acids. It also lowers insulin intake for diabetes and controls blood pressure.
Pumpkin seeds: It is rich in zinc, magnesium, proteins, calcium and other vitamins which help in making heart blood vessels stronger and healthier. Add these seeds to your daily food menu and consume regularly.
Black beans: It contains folate, magnesium, and other nutrients which lowers blood pressure and controls heart rhythms.

Veggies:

Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain vitamin A, B, C, E. They contain low fat, high fiber content. All these make the heart stronger. Tomatoes control arteries prevent cell damages, lowers heart stroke risks.
Soy: soy foods are very rich in nutrients and proteins. It decreases the heart diseases rate especially in women and It lowers bad cholesterol. Soy foods can be a part of the very good diet for anyone.
Potatoes: These consists of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber supports heart health and makes it much stronger and prevents heart diseases. It also helps in the regular flow of blood without any clots.
Legumes: These are various types such as chickpeas, mung beans, lentil which have the good amount of proteins, calcium, zinc, minerals and other compounds. All these make body and heart fit and strong. Consumption of legumes ones in a while also gives heart many health benefits.
Beetroot: It controls hypertension and lowers blood pressure. It treats various heart diseases as it contains nitrate and other proteins. Prefer to drink beetroot juice every day.
Broccoli: It is rich in potassium, magnesium, Vitamin C, E, fiber, calcium, folate, and others which protects the heart from harmful diseases and prevents heart attacks and heart strokes.
Cauliflower: It is rich in vitamin C, K, folates and fatty acids such as pantothenic acid which prevents heart diseases. The antioxidant elements present in cauliflower prevent a blood clot in the heart.
Onion: The flavonoids present in the onions and the compounds present in onions works as anti-blood clotting system, it prevents blood vessels damages, makes heart bones stronger. Add onion to your daily food routine and make it a part of the food. Red onions are preferred more compared to white onions.
Brussels sprouts: These sprouts are rich in vitamin K, C, B, folate, fiber, calcium and other nutrients. It detoxes the body. It clears the bad cholesterol from heart blood vessels and has other heart health benefits.
Mushrooms: Mushrooms are packed with vitamins D, nutrients, calcium, proteins and other minerals. It boosts the immune system, it maintains cardiovascular elasticity, lowers cholesterol.
Sweet potatoes: These are called as nutrients powerhouse. It is very rich in nutrients and antioxidant which has many amazing health benefits, especially for the heart.
Asparagus: It contains vitamin K, fiber called saponins which stops cholesterol from absorbing nutrients and other nutrients which prevents blood clots and controls blood pressure. Add this to your daily diet.

Green Leafy Veggies:

Spinach: It holds a large quantity of potassium, proteins, vitamin K, A, etc. It protects the heart from many cardiovascular diseases. It can be consumed in many forms such as curry, side dish, main course, salad, juice, starter, etc.
Swiss chard: It is a dark green leafy vegetable. It is rich in sodium and has a high content. It contains vitamin A, C, K, minerals, nutrients which control heart diseases, prevents heart blockage and other diseases. It is really super food. Add this to salads or food menu and intake regularly.
Kale: It contains omega-3 fatty acids called alpha-linolenic acid which is rich in vitamins. It prevents plaque formation in the arteries. It also contains lutein, a nutrition which protects the heart from cardiac arrest and heart strokes.

Fruits:

Oranges: Oranges are rich in vitamin A, C, proteins, potassium, etc. It strengthens one's emotional body, controls arrhythmia, reduces stress, clears bad cholesterol and has many other amazing health benefits.
Pomegranate: It contains punicalagin antioxidant which helps in improving heart health. It reduces toxic levels and stress. Its anti-inflammatory has amazing benefits for the heart. It reduces LDL oxidants. Prefer to drink more pomegranate juice frequently.
Apple: We all know the very famous saying An apple a day, keeps the doctor away. As they said Apple has infinite health benefits and it cures various diseases. It holds a very good percentage of nutrients, fiber, and vitamin c. It regulates blood sugar, clears the fat found in bloodstreams, protects the heart from many diseases, controls heart rhythms and many other.
Grapes: All types of grapes such as red, black and green grapes are having a wide number of health benefits. It contains vitamins, nutrients, proteins, minerals that helps in the reduction of heart risks such as strokes, irregular heart rhythms, arteries diseases and many others.

Oils:

Avocado oil: It is rich in vitamin E, B, k, fiber and other nutrients. The oil extracted from avocado also has many outstanding health benefits. It can be used in many food dishes instead of vegetable oil specially for sprouts, salads other food items. It protects from oxygen-based damage, decreases blood fat, controls blood pressure and plays a crucial role in smooth blood flow to the heart.
Olive oil: It is filled with nutrients and minerals which lower inflammation, controls heart diseases, prevent blood pressure. It is the extract of olive fruit. It can be replaced with butter, coconut oil, etc. Add this for salad dressing, can make grills, fries, used for seasoning and can be a substitute for any type of cooking oil.

foods good for heart

Chocolates:

Dark chocolates: Chocolates are everyone's favorite and many types of research proved it has many health benefits and does a very good job for the heart. It contains antioxidants that block atherosclerosis a type of artery hardening that may cause heart strokes and heart attacks.

Drinks:

Red wine: For men, the maximum is 2 glasses and for women, 1 glass per day is advised by the doctors. Red wine improves good cholesterol levels. As it is made of red grapes, the skin of these red grapes protects from many cardiovascular diseases and increases arterial health.
Green tea: It holds antioxidants known as polyphenols and catechins which clears all toxins from the body and prevents cell damage from the heart. It also regulates other heart diseases. Highly recommended to drink twice a day.
Coffee: A study performed at Harvard University in 2015 proved that coffee has amazing health benefits as it contains phytochemicals. It stimulates the nervous system, free fatty acids, and reduces heart strokes.

Grains:

Oatmeal: It is filled with vitamin B, Zinc, proteins, magnesium, manganese, fiber, and others which help protect the heart from any damage, remove LDL cholesterol from valves, and prevent heart failures.
Brown rice: It is rich in copper, vitamin B, magnesium, and other nutrients. It slows down the progression of atherosclerosis which is a process of creating plaques that narrow the blood vessels and the blood flow is decreased, controlling blood pressure.
Wheat: It is rich in fiber, copper, manganese, and other nutrients. It has the power to reduce LDL cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and prevent heart strokes and other diseases.
Barley: It is full of vitamin B, fiber, molybdenum, and selenium which protect from cardiovascular risk factors, remove radicals from blood vessel walls, and prevent heart failures and strokes. It has special heart benefits for women.

Spices:

Ginger: It reduces the risk of various chronic conditions in the body. It increases longevity, removes blood clots, and controls heart strokes and heart attacks.
Cinnamon: It reduces bad cholesterol in the heart. It contains anti-blood blockage properties which stop blood clots in the heart and increase blood flow. Add cinnamon to food or make cinnamon powder and honey paste and eat daily twice.
Garlic: Garlic increases the blood flow to the heart and removes bad cholesterol from the valves. Either chew raw garlic or add to food dishes. Regular intake of garlic is very good for health.

Dairy Products:

Milk: Milk contains a high amount of calcium which strengthens heart muscles and lowers blood pressure
Low-Fat Yogurt: Yogurt has the power to make bones strong. It contains a high amount of potassium and calcium which controls blood pressure. Always consider low-fat yogurt.
Reduced-Fat cheese: Research done by the University of Copenhagen discovered that cheese benefits the heart. Cheese is considered fat but unsaturated fat cheese helps in the reduction of heart risks. It controls LDL cholesterol and lowers the risk rate of heart disease.

Exercises:

Not only food will keep the heart healthy but exercise will also play a vital role in making a healthy heart and a healthy life. Regular exercise will keep the body healthy and prevent all sorts of diseases. The exercises include Yoga, Meditation, walking, etc. To know the yoga exercises for the heart

Precautions to be taken for the foods to eat after open-heart surgery and other heart diseases:

Eat more quantity of fruits and vegetables.
Add less sodium and low-fat products to your diet.
Maintain a proper diet and follow it.
Never skip any of the meals.
Do regular exercise which makes the body fit and healthy and energizes the heart.
Take the medication at a proper time and do not skip them.

Hope now got very good information from experts about the best foods good for your heart!

Always eat Healthily! Stay Healthy! Keep others Healthy!

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Author's Bio: Ashreetha Pendkar Is a Healthcare writer, trainer, and Digital marketing expert, she loves to read healthcare content and spread her words about the importance of health to near & dear