Healthy heart: Check-out these 7 types of foods that may keep your cardiovascular system thriving

Foods contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support heart health. (Image: Canva)

Making simple adjustments such as staying active, managing stress, and maintaining a balanced diet can significantly impact heart health. Incorporating heart-healthy foods into your diet can nourish your cardiovascular system and lower the risk of heart disease.

Our hearts tirelessly pump blood and oxygen to keep us alive and well, every single day. But to keep our hearts functioning properly, we need to nourish them with the right nutrients. Certain foods contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support heart-health by reducing inflammation, improving cholesterol levels, and maintaining healthy blood pressure by adopting a balanced diet rich in heart-healthy foods, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your cardiovascular health and prevent future complications.

7 types of foods to keep your cardiovascular system thriving.

Healthy fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are essential for maintaining heart health. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation, lower triglyceride levels, and decrease the risk of arrhythmias.

Turn over a new leaf: Do not forget to add leafy vegetables to your diet. Dark, leafy greens such as Swiss chard, spinach, and kale are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote heart health. They are particularly rich in vitamin K, which helps prevent calcification of the arteries.

Berry good: Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are loaded with antioxidants known as flavonoids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by improving blood vessel function and lowering blood pressure.

Go nuts: Nuts and seeds are superfoods. Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are excellent sources of heart-healthy fats, fibre, and plant-based protein. They help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of blood clots.

The ‘whole’ thing: Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, brown rice, and barley are high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals that support heart health. They help lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Avo great day: Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. They are also a good source of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure.

Bean there, done that: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are excellent sources of fibre, protein, and essential nutrients that promote heart health. They help lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar levels, and improve overall heart function.

A balanced diet with heart-healthy foods aids cardiovascular health but is not a replacement for medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance, especially if you have health conditions or heart symptoms.