October 23, 2014

Heart-healthy Diet 5 Foods That Are Good For Heart Disease Patients

High-sodium foods can increase the blood pressure as well as risk of stroke and heart attack. Medical studies show that the foods coming from plants, especially nuts, cereal, beans, fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of heart problems. Following are 5 kinds of foods that heart disease patients should use.

1. Banana

A banana provides 600 mg of potassium, a compound that is good for heart disease patients because it can reduce the blood pressure. Besides, fiber in banana is very good for lowering the cholesterol level in the blood. You can eat a banana, use it as smoothie or salads. Other high-potassium fruits can also replace bananas such as orange, citrus and watermelon with red flesh.

2. Soy protein

Soybean is high in protein, minerals, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also rich in fiber, low in fat so it is a great food to replace red meats. Substances in soybean are very good for reducing the blood pressure, blood sugar and especially cholesterol level.

3. Oat

Oat not only can be used to make you beautiful but also is an amazing food for heart disease patients. Oat helps reduce bad cholesterol as well as provide many kinds of vitamin B and fiber. You can find substitutes or supplements for oats in your diet such as nuts, raisins, dried fruits, cinnamon or apples.

4. Vegetables

Eating much kale, beet or watercress will strengthen your heart. Vegetables provide the antioxidants and calcium to prevent the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. Vegetables are also a great food supplying omega-3 fatty acids.

5. Tea

Tea contains the antioxidants protecting the arteries and reducing the blood pressure. Drinking at least 2 cups of tea per day lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke by 40 percent. Moreover, flavonoids in tea and some other foods such as apple, grape, onion also reduce the risk of heart problems. However, according to scientists, tea can not be used as a cardiovascular drug despite bringing a lot of benefits. Drinking tea every day can help you lose weight, too.

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