7 Heart-Healthy Superfoods That Will Make You More Fit

Thanks to the rise of technology, more people than ever before are becoming couch potatoes. We’ve grown used to falling down in front of the television after a hard day’s work or playing videogames during the weekend, when our bodies are really in need of some physical activity. While people was once used to going out, playing in the park and talking long walks, more and more people are now getting acquainted with technology and choosing movies, video games and other technology-driven activities instead of physical exercise. This is one of the major causes of the 66% adults in the United States that are now considered to be overweight. As much as half of these people are actually considered obese, which is even worse than simply being overweight.

With inadequate exercise, a person is at a higher risk of becoming obese. This, in turn, then puts the person at a higher risk of obtaining various health conditions. Standford Healthcare reports that obese people are at a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, joint diseases and heart disease. Many people who have been diagnosed with heart diseases, such as heart failure and high blood pressure, are also obese. This proofs that there is a direct link between these conditions. Fortunately, it is never too late to make a change. Getting some daily physical exercise, even if a person starts out with shorter sessions, can be very beneficial. To support such a physical exercise routine, we recommend including some of these superfoods in a daily diet – these healthy foods are all excellent choices to support and even improve heart health.

1. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of those foods that you probably didn’t like as a child. It’s part of the cabbage family and is packed with nutrition. Broccoli contains vitamin A, iron, calcium, vitamin B6 and magnesium. A small 100-gram dish of broccoli also contains 148% of the daily vitamin C recommended dosage. These nutrients are essential for human health and also have a positive impact on the heart. The antioxidants found in broccoli will also protect your body from free radical damage and the calcium content is excellent for improving bone health.

2. Salmon
We couldn’t do a heart-healthy superfood roundup without including salmon. Salmon is recommended for a variety of ailments and for improving overall health due to the various nutrients it contains. It is reported that the DHA, EPA and omega-3 fatty acid content in salmon has many benefits for the heart as it reduces a person’s risk of suffering from a heart attack. Salmon may also protect against high blood pressure, high triglycerides and arrhythmia. Apart from salmon’s effect on heart health, it can also help to reduce symptoms of depression, reduce inflammation in the body and protect the body against cell damage.

3. Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the most delicious type of berries that exist. They can be consumed raw, used in cooking or even used as a topping for desserts. Blueberries is also reported to fight against heart disease and to lower blood pressure. These berries contain folate, potassium, vitamin B6, fiber, phytonutrients and vitamin C. Apart from supporting heart health, they can also prevent the formation of cancer, regulate blood sugar levels and improve bone health.

4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes can be eaten in many different ways. They can be added to a salad, placed on a sandwich or even used in some dishes. They also have a very delicious taste. One of the most popular facts about tomatoes are the fact that they are rich in lycopene – the element that gives tomatoes that deep red color. A recent study that was completed in South Korea provided evidence that tomatoes protect the heart by improving the naturally occurring antioxidants inside the human body. They also found that tomatoes protect the body against damage to its DNA.

5. Green Tea
There are a vast variety of teas available on today’s market. Black tea, rooibos tea, flavored teas and, of course, one of the healthiest choices, green tea. Green tea is made from herbs and many people find it doesn’t really have a flavor, thus it is often combined with honey and lemon. It is reported that green tea can regulate cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. The tea also has powerful antioxidants. This combination helps to protect against heart disease such as high blood pressure, heart failure and numerous other types of cardiovascular conditions.

6. Dark Chocolate
This may seem like a surprise as chocolate is usually something people tend to avoid in order to stay healthy, but dark chocolate does have many benefits for the human body. It is reported that the flavonoids in cocoa, which is found in large doses within dark chocolate, can support blood flow towards the heart and the brain, prevent the formation of blood clots, lower blood pressure levels and even fight against cell damage.

7. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is often a favorite breakfast type, but many people do not like the taste of this food. Luckily, flavor can easily be added as oatmeal can be combined with berries, banana, honey and even cinnamon. Oatmeal contains a large amount of fiber. This breakfast option is often recommended for individuals who suffer from diabetes or heart disease. It also contains cholesterol-lowering properties and powerful antioxidants that protects the heart.

Conclusion
The heart is vital for life and with poor heart health, we are at risk of developing cardiovascular conditions that may affect how we feel. With obesity being one of the major contributing factors that increases our risk of developing heart disease, it is vital to partake in regular exercise routines. These heart-healthy foods we have shared can be combined with frequent physical exercise to improve heart health and to fight against obesity.

References

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/Pages/overweight-obesity-statistics.aspx

https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/healthy-living/obesity.html

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