Heart-Healthy Foods You Will Enjoy Eating
Taking care of your heart is so important as you age, as elderly individuals are at risk for heart attacks or cardiac arrest. Fundamental heart health starts with a healthy and balanced diet, where your body will get the necessary nutrients that it needs to be strong and healthy. We curated a list of heart healthy foods that we think you will not only enjoy eating but that will be beneficial to your overall wellness, health and happiness.
- Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can help your blood flow. Salmon also helps lower the type of fat called triglycerides, which can lead to heart disease and complications in the future.
- Nuts, specifically walnuts, are a good source of fat. Although they do have monounsaturated fats, this type of fat is quite different from saturated fats, as they are good for you! Walnuts have omega-3 acids too and a serving size of 5 ounces a week can help make a difference in your heart health.
- Dark chocolate – that’s right we said chocolate! Dark chocolate has flavanols in it, which can help prevent blood clots within your body and can aid in lowering your blood pressure. While milk chocolate may be sweeter and taste better, dark chocolate has more flavanols and less sugar, which makes it a much healthier option.
- Fat-free or low-fat milk or yogurt products can help lower your blood pressure. These foods contain potassium, which can help you lower your blood pressure over time. By choosing a yogurt or dairy product that is low-fat or fat-free you are lowering the saturated fat that you consume, and you can avoid raising your cholesterol!
We know that eating healthy, while enjoying the foods you consume can be a tricky thing to manage. Try eating the foods we listed above to keep your heart healthy and to keep yourself happy along the way. We recommend consulting your doctor before making a complete diet change and ask them to recommend foods that are going to benefit you and your health. We hope that you remain happy, healthy and prosperous.