Coffee Yes! Finally there’s a healthy reason to have that morning cup of joe. Studies have shown that enjoying 2-4 cups of coffee during the day can lower your risk of heart attack by up to 20%. But keep in mind that coffee can also have negative effects on your stomach and excess caffeine is also not particularly healthy for you.
Nuts Nuts have long been known for their abundance of healthy fats. These include omega-3 fatty acids and unsaturated fats. Not only are these good for your cholesterol levels, but they also benefit your joints and memory. Walnuts and almonds are particularly high in these healthy fats. One handful each day can make all the difference.
Persimmon fruit Rich in fiber and healthy sterols, persimmons can help lower your cholesterol levels. These so-called “divine fruits” are sweet and tasty additions to salads or cereal.
Turmeric Turmeric contains high levels of curcumin, which has many positive attributes. The spice helps to prevent overactive fat storage and lowers tissue inflammation. Turmeric makes a tasty addition to many dishes and also makes a delicious tea.
Green tea Green tea is well-known for its simultaneously energizing and calming effects. One reason for this is the cetachin contained in the tea leaves. This antioxidant lowers cholesterol absorption and supports metabolism. 1-2 cups of tea per day is enough to provide the maximum benefits.
Watermelon The epitome of summer fruit is not only refreshing, it also widens blood vessels by promoting the production of nitric oxide. An occasional piece of watermelon can work wonders!
Whole grain Whole grain flour is another effective way to prevent high cholesterol. It is high in fiber, which bonds with cholesterol, preventing it from collecting in arteries. Foods high in whole grain don’t only prevent cholesterol from building up, they also help to break down any existing buildup. Good sources of whole grain are oats, brown rice, and whole grain bread.
Cheese Cheese doesn’t always have the best reputation when it comes to cholesterol, but if it’s not consumed in excess, it can actually help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Seaweed
The list of healthy ingredients in seaweed is mind-blowing: It is rich in numerous minerals, vitamins, proteins, antioxidants, and carotenoids. Regular consumption can help regulate blood pressure and widen vessels, both of which are beneficial to circulation. People who regularly eat seaweed can lower their cholesterol by up to 15%.
Cranberries
Cranberries are a great source of potassium. If you regularly drink cranberry juice, you’ll raise levels of healthy cholesterol and lower dangerous ones. Consuming 2 glasses per day has been shown to lower your risk of heart attack by up to 40%.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is not only delicious in tea or baked goods, it is also an important tool to fight high cholesterol by preventing buildup in arteries. Even 1 teaspoon per day can have a noticeable effect.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates are rich in phytochemicals that naturally promote nitric oxide production, which is in turn a good way to help circulation. This exotic fruit makes for a beautiful addition to salads and/or pomegranate juice is another healthy option.
Spinach
Not only good for Popeye’s muscles, spinach also helps to clear arteries and lower blood pressure. Even though the myth of spinach’s high iron content has since been debunked, it is still known to be rich in potassium and folic acid. Both of these lower your risk of heart attacks and support muscle tissues.
Olive oil
Italians and Greeks have long known the secret to good health: high-quality olive oil. Cold-pressed olive oil provides your body with healthy fats and lowers cholesterol levels. This can lower the risk of heart attack by up to 41% – wow.
Broccoli
This green power vegetable, exploding in vitamin K, prevents calcium settling in your arteries. It also is beneficial to blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Whether eating it raw as a snack, or as part of a larger meal, broccoli is a nutrient-rich addition to your day.
Avocado
It’s no longer a mystery that avocados are extremely healthy for you. The fats found in avocados promote a healthy balance between good and bad cholesterol, which is vital for healthy arteries. This versatile fruit is delicious in salad, on bread, or on its own with a dash of salt and pepper.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a Herculean fighter against high cholesterol. The contents of asparagus prevent clogging of veins and inflammation. Asparagus is delicious as a main dish, in soup, or as a side to noodles or potatoes.
Wow. What a wide selection of foods that make for healthy hearts – I’m sure there is something in there that will please every person’s taste buds. I love it when delicious and healthy comes together.
