A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, healthy fats & carbohydrates is essential for the overall health of your entire body.
But there are certain foods that lend extra health benefits to specific organs and systems.

In order to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, you must do and eat things that support your heart & all of it’s valves, arteries, ventricles, veins ETC, and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Here are the top 6 foods (or food types) that you can add to your diet daily to give your heart some extra love!

1. Omega 3 fatty acid rich foods:

(ground flax seeds, oatmeal, hemp seeds, walnuts)

Omega-3 fats lower levels of triglycerides in the blood that may contribute to blood clotting. Omega-3s also lower blood pressure slightly and can help prevent irregular heart rhythms.

2. Oatmeal:Foods that are rich in soluble fiber, studies show, can help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol.

3. Dark Leafy Greens:

(Kale, Collard, Spinach, Swiss chard)

Dark green is the sign that a food is loaded with the important antioxidant beta carotene and other special nutrients called phytochemicals that are good for the heart.

4. Beans/Legumes:

Beans help bind cholesterol and keep it from being absorbed in the gut. And, as the fiber is fermented, it produces changes in short-chain fatty acids that can inhibit cholesterol formation.

5. Avocados:

One cup of avocado provides almost a quarter of your recommended daily intake of folate. A high folate intake is associated with a lower risk of heart attacks and heart disease. The oleic acid in avocados can help reduce cholesterol levels as well.

6. Berries:

High in polyphenols,which may increase levels of nitric oxide, a molecule that produces a number of heart-healthy effects. One is helping to relax blood vessels, which in turn results in lowered blood pressure.

It just so happens that I add one of each of these to my smoothie every morning! It doesn’t take much to implement good heart healthy foods to your diet daily to keep you feeling fabulous!

A regular exercise routine and adequate sleep are also extremely important parts of a healthy functioning cardiovascular system.

Enjoy!

Much love from my healthy heart to yours,

Janine <3