These Superfoods Can Stop Cancer, Heart Disease, Obesity, And So Much More
We can all agree that the idea of a heart attack is pretty scary for us all, And for those of us who don’t have a healthy diet, a heart attack is a real threat. But we are here to give you good news! Our nutrition is key to a healthy heart and overall good health, and that is something we can have control over to help us live longer and healthier. To help you do this we have compiled a list of the most wonderous superfoods that can influence your heart health for the better.
Over the years, modern medicine has developed in astounding ways and we now have more advanced medicine and cures for diseases than doctors would have dared to dream of in the past. But just as technological developments spur on at an unimaginable pace, so do the changes in our dietary habits and our food sources. Life goes at a fast pace nowadays and we have become eager to have food that is easy to come by, fast food. This happens at the cost of our health, as we overlook the long term harm we are doing to our bodies. Although it seems like the easy option – to walk into a fast food joint and put in an order for your favorite junk food of a bright and colorful, plastic menu, and receive your order within minutes – it may be time to think about the long term effects of those momentary decisions, and how much better your quality of life could be without them.
Before you start thinking you have to deprive yourself of all your favorite meals, keep reading and you may be surprised to discover some of these superfoods on our list. Just to give you an idea of what we are talking about, let me paint a picture of you watching a movie one evening with a glass of wine in hand, nibbling on some chocolate. And all that while knowing you are still keeping your heart healthy. Doesn’t sound so bad, does it?
If you are looking for a way to help keep the risk of heart disease at bay through your nutrition or just to give your diet a boost with some yummy superfoods, then look no further because we have the healthy tips for you! These superfoods are not only naturally sourced, they are also loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that can give your health and your immune system the boost it needs. According to studies, heart-related problems like clogged arteries, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity, can all be prevented by the decision to change one’s diet and by fostering healthy habits. So we have done our research in order to find some healthy superfoods to help you get that kick start you need to develop your new healthier lifestyle for a healthier heart.
Oranges
Next time you pass by the fruit section of the grocery store, make sure to pick up some oranges. This fruit not only provides the body with tasty hydration, but is also high in various nutrients, fiber, and Vitamin C. The secret behind the power of oranges is in their high levels of pectin, a soluble fiber that naturally gets rid of the cholesterol found in your body. And if you thought bananas were the only fruit with potassium, think again! Oranges have an extraordinary amount of potassium, which gets all that extra sodium out of your system so that your blood pressure naturally returns to a healthy level. Best of all, the potassium in oranges neutralizes proteins that can scar the development of heart tissue and lead to heart failure.
Kale
The popularity of kale has grown substantially in recent years, and now it’s difficult to find a supermarket that doesn’t carry it! This is great news if you’re looking to stop the onset of heart disease. Kale has a variety of nutrients that help regulate your cardiovascular system which regulate the function of vital organs, including your heart. You might not believe that kale has way more omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber than most other vegetables out there! As an added bonus, it has low calorie and fat content, so if you haven’t been adding kale to your meals already, it’s time to get started!
Kale
Garlic
Garlic is well-known for its ability to repel vampires, but did you know that it has superfood properties that make it a worthy addition to your diet? Garlic has been proven to help lower blood pressure and help reduce the plaque in your arteries that can lead to heart problems. But wait, there’s more! Garlic can also help decrease the number of enzymes that constrict your blood vessels. If you’re not a fan of the taste or lingering smell of garlic, a great alternative is to take a garlic supplement in the form of a pill. Studies show that this method of ingestion reduces the build-up of plaque in the arteries by as much as 50%!
Red Wine
For those of us who already enjoy that glass of wine at the end of a long day, rest easy knowing this habit is extremely good for your body! In fact, in moderate amounts (key word, moderate!!!), experts have found that red wine can help increase HDL levels and stop the build-up of cholesterol. Red wine is also rich in antioxidants that break up impending blood clots and keep frightening conditions like coronary heart disease at bay. So next time you break out that corkscrew, just remind yourself that it’s all for your heart.
Chocolate
We have some good news for all you chocolate lovers out there! We all know this sweet treat helps with our mood, but did you know that it also helps reduce the chance of heart disease and strokes? A new study from Harvard found that people who regularly ingested raw cocoa showed absolutely no signs of hypertension and in fact, their blood pressure reduced! This is because dark chocolate has an antioxidant called flavnols, and eating a small and regular amount can lower blood pressure and lower the chances of heart-related diseases. Reminding you that this does not mean sugary candy bars, but high content cocoa, and dark chocolate often still contains high levels of white sugar, which can do the opposite of what we are trying to achieve here!
Sardines
Sardines might not be on the top of most people’s favorite foods list, but the nutrients and heart-healthy fats found in this cold fish make it a superfood, unlike others. Sardines are a fish especially loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, a fat that reduces dangerous triglyceride levels, increases the healthy HDL cholesterol, and overall helps to stop heart disease in its tracks. Look out for the next sardine run closest to you!
Lentils
Lentils are a great superfood already part of many diets around the world. Besides being a great way to add some flavor to salads or other dishes, lentils have tons of great health benefits. This powerful legume reduces the risk of strokes and heart disease. Lentils have high amounts of proteins, potassium, and magnesium, and this combination has been shown to help regulate blood pressure, decrease high levels of cholesterol, and eliminate dangerous plaque build-up in blood vessels.
Almonds
Who knew that such a tasty nut could boost your IQ? Almonds are a popular snack choice, but did you know their unique mix of nutrients has been shown to increase intelligence and memory? As if that wasn’t reason enough to grab a handful, they also lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes. The reason is that almonds have a high level of plant sterols, which help prevent your body from absorbing bad LDL cholesterol that can lead to cardiovascular disease.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates are a great addition to salads, smoothies, and shakes. If their great taste wasn’t convincing enough to add it to your pantry, this fantastic superfood harbors an excellent mix of antioxidants that help protect the accumulation of plaque on the walls of your arteries. If warding off heart disease isn’t reason enough, scientists have found that the fruit helps prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, strokes, cancer, diabetes, and also helps keep your skin, joints, and liver healthy and in working order! Oh, and pomegranates also help your teeth look great.
Blueberries
Have you ever found yourself craving… blueberries? This superfood is part of the family of berries that can help regulate blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and reduce plaque build-up in arteries. Each berry is jam-packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants that are so powerful that they can allegedly help stop some types of cancer right in their tracks! Last but not least, they help lower the risk of heart disease. Now that’s what we call a superfruit!
Beets
These purple vegetables are unique in their color and in the high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Unlike other vegetables, they contain B-vitamin folate and betaine. Studies have shown that this colorful addition to salads helps to bring down homocysteine levels in the blood, which reduces the chances of developing heart disease. Moreover, beets have been found to mysteriously strengthen various organs and eliminate the chances of contracting certain forms of cancer.
