7 Foods Cardiologists Want You to Eat and 5 You Should Avoid


Food to Eat Complete calories

The Clinics says that cereals are a good source of fiber and other nutrients that can help control blood pressure and heart health. When choosing grains, be sure to read the labels and do not be fooled by the words “multigrain” “100% wheat,” or “seven grains,” as these products may be made from refined grains.

Berries

Berries

Berries are part of the “rainbow” pattern Freeman recommends that his patients follow. Studies have shown a link between berries and heart health, with a recent study released in 2019 finding that eating one cup of blueberries a day can reduce the risk factors for heart disease.

When choosing fruits and vegetables, Freeman recommends paying attention to where they are found. “I tell people to do their best to be local and to eat organic and non-GMO whenever possible, especially leafless fruits and leafless vegetables.”

Vegetables

Vegetables

Well, this one doesn’t make sense. Leafy vegetables in particular will provide you with enough protein if you cut down on meat and you are worried about your diet. “One of the most common misconceptions and myths, especially in this country, is that we all have no protein,” Freeman said. “In all my years of exercise, I have never seen a shortage of protein. Lack of protein in this country would require a lot of effort to get there. What most of us do not realize is that the building blocks of all life are proteins. protein. The most amazing fact is that a pound of spinach, spinach, kale, broccoli, and many green leafy vegetables contain more protein than steak. But keep in mind that a pound of steak is broccoli or kale or a heavy spinach 50 pounds, or anything else that can be very trayful. So there are proteins in everything., and very easy. or 50 a day without even trying. ”

Olive Oil

Olive Oil

“Everything in the Mediterranean diet is good for your heart,” Haythe said. For those who do not know, Mediterranean cuisine is a diet system inspired by the traditional cuisine of this country, guess what, the Mediterranean. Includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, herbs, and a limited amount of milk, poultry, and eggs. Included in the diet of olive oil, are healthy oils Haythe recommends eating instead of butter.

Fish

Fish

Fish is an element of the Mediterranean diet as well, according to Haythe. Because many fish (including salmon and tuna) are strong in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health and lower the risk of heart disease, the American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week. Omega-3 fatty acids, according to the AHA, “lower the risk of arrhythmias” and “decrease triglyceride levels, the slow growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque, and low (slightly) blood pressure.”

Other foods high in omega-3 include flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.

Beans

Beans

365 Daily Price of Organic Black Beans ($ 3)

Eating whole grains (beans, peas, and lentils) instead of meat as a source of protein will help reduce fat and cholesterol intake, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Nuts

Peanuts are full of healthy fats and proteins, and Haythe recommends including them in your diet. According to Harvard T.H. According to studies conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, eating nuts can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Nuts have unsaturated fats that can help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol, and some nuts even contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to be beneficial to heart health.

Another note is that although nuts contain healthy fats, the feed contains a lot of calories, so you may want to stick to the recommended feed sizes. But they are still a better way to eat snacks compared to salted chips or crackers.

Herbs and Spices

McCormick Gourmet Organic Spice Rack (16 Herbs and Spices Combined) ($ 68). Haythe suggests suggesting herbs and spices instead of salt when cooking and eating. Too much sodium can increase the risk of high blood pressure, says AHA. Fortunately, you do not need a lot of salt to make your food delicious. There are many flavors out there that are flavor-packed (like oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, chili powder, and cayenne, to name a few).

Foods to Avoid

Digested Food

With a focus on whole foods, it is not surprising that processed foods are not recommended by both Freeman and Haythe. That is because most processed foods contain additional ingredients such as sweeteners and preservatives. Just because you cut down on processed foods does not mean that you should change your diet significantly, in some cases, it may mean making a few simple swaps. “Instead of eating oatmeal in a package with a lot of sugar and chemicals, I recommend eating only plain oats – add hot water and put blueberries on top. Add beans and brown rice to the heart of a fantastic lunch salad. So [choosing] food is a lot easier than buying something that has already been digested,” adds Freeman.

If you cannot avoid processed foods completely, the AHA advises reading food labels carefully.

Fried Food

Fried Food

Haythe says that fried foods are solid in the heart, which is another surprise. A 2019 study by BMJ found that frequent consumption of fried foods (especially fried chicken, fish, and shellfish) was associated with a higher risk of heart-related death in U.S. women.

Red Meat

Red Meat

The AHA states that red meat is more saturated than other sources of protein, which can raise blood cholesterol and heart disease. Haythe recommends limiting your diet to a small cut once a week if you can completely say goodbye to red meat. This category includes meat such as bacon, sausages, and burgers.

Pizza

Pizza

Say no! Although Haythe notes that pizza is hard on the heart, she says most of the absentees, there is a silver line: “You don’t have to give up your favourites forever, but you should strive to limit them from time to time. Consumption. It’s all about the balance!”

It also depends on what goes on there. If it is full of meat, a lot of cheese, and a carb-y crust, then these are not healthy eating guidelines. You may want to choose healthy sauces like vegetables or cut down on extra cheese.

Soda and juices

Soda and juices

Sugary drinks include a lot of calories and may potentially cause heart disease. According to a study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation in 2019, drinking four or more sugary drinks per day was linked to an elevated risk of dying from heart disease.