Foods Which May Help Protect Your Heart

Almonds

Various studies seem to have shown that eating almonds may help regulate lipid levels and cholesterol.

Practical steps

You should ensure to eat almonds without added salt (excess salt may lead to possible cardiovascular challenges).

Cabbages

Eating cabbage regularly may help regulate homocysteine levels, potentially encouraging normal cardiovascular function.

Practical steps

Eating a variety of cabbages, such as Savoy cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts can be a good option. Do not hesitate to blanch cabbages before cooking them to remove the possible bitter taste.

Parsley

Parsley (like other aromatic herbs, such as chives, coriander, and tarragon) appears to be rich in antioxidants, which may help protect cells. Parsley also adds flavor to dishes without adding salt.

Practical steps

You can sprinkle generous amounts of parsley (preferably fresh) on dishes and slice it finely to add to vinaigrettes, for instance.

Oranges

Oranges may be rich in polyphenols (especially flavones), which could make them valuable for maintaining normal cardiovascular function.

Researchers at the National Institute of Agronomic Research may also have shown that drinking orange juice regularly could support normal vascular function.

Practical steps

Grapefruit and clementines share the same beneficial properties as oranges, and you can eat them to enjoy different flavors.

Yogurt

According to an American study on 2,000 individuals, regular consumption of yogurt may help maintain normal tension.

Practical steps

It can be interesting to know that whole milk yogurt can be too rich in lipids, and it may be preferable to choose plain over flavored yogurt.

Whole Wheat Bread

A study carried out in England found that whole grains (whole wheat bread is the easiest way to consume them) could play a general role in maintaining already healthy cardiovascular function. Whole grains also appeared to have a specific role in maintaining normal blood pressure.

Practical steps

You can buy whole wheat bread in bakeries or bake it yourself. You could also try to use and consume whole grains and flour as much as possible.

Sardines

Sardines (like mackerel or salmon) are rich in omega 3, an essential fatty acid which may help encourage normal artery function.

Practical steps

You can choose grilled sardines, and it you decide to eat them canned, you can drain the oil first.

Tomatoes

A study carried out by researchers in Boston, in the US, appears to have shown that people who ate tomatoes frequently could have improved cardiovascular function.

Practical steps

Tomatoes seem to have the same properties whether raw or cooked, and adding a dash of olive oil to a tomato may help enhances its possible benefits.

Cherries

Cherries might be rich in anthocyanin, an antioxidant which may help with free radicals, supposedly partly responsible for cellular aging.

Practical steps

Fresh cherries are unavailable in winter, but you can find frozen or canned cherries in stores.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas may encourage already healthy cardiovascular function, as suggested in research.

Practical steps

To limit the possible bloating which may result from eating chickpeas, you can soak them for at least 24 hours before cooking them, by changing the water several times.