It’s no secret that diet plays a major role in cardiovascular health.First of all, if you want to keep your heart in top shape, limiting intake of things like red meat, fatty fried foods, and high-sugar snacks is a must. There are many good alternatives to When Great for your overall health. You don’t have to give up snacking forever!
To find out the best snacks you can eat every day to promote cardiovascular health, we spoke with Joanna Wen, certified health coach and founder of Spices & Greens. She gave us four go-to options: apples, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and (our favourite) dark chocolate.
1. Apple
One of the best nutrients to keep in mind when it comes to heart health is dietary fiber. Luckily, snacking on crispy apples is a great way to get more fiber, says Wen. “Apples are a great source of fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease,” she explains. Wen points out that this crunchy fruit is also rich in antioxidants, which can protect the body from cellular damage and reduce the risk of certain diseases such as cardiovascular disease. I can’t confirm or deny that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but it definitely helps your health!
2. Walnut
Nuts are another great option for a delicious, nutritious and heart-healthy snack. Wen says walnuts in particular contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. Sweets are also “a great source of antioxidants and plant protein”. Bake it to perfection and experiment with additional bonuses that have a magical effect on the mind.
3. Pumpkin seeds
The reason pumpkin is so healthy is because of all of the incredible nutrients it provides. And as it turns out, pumpkin seeds are great for you too, especially when it comes to heart health! “Pumpkin is a great source of magnesium, which helps relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure,” Wen explains. In addition to magnesium, these seeds are also rich in iron and zinc, which are “essential for maintaining a healthy heart.” You can also use the whole fruit by buying pumpkin seeds at the store or by cooking the pumpkin and roasting the seeds with salt.
4. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is more than just a treat. Luckily, there are also quite a few health benefits, especially when it comes to your heart. “Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which have been shown to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow,” Wen explains. Of course, you shouldn’t eat too much chocolate, but a little dark chocolate every now and then can boost your heart health and satisfy your sweet tooth. To get , you need to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.” I got it!
Ultimately, the best way to keep your heart healthy is to maintain a healthy diet, exercise daily, and see your doctor regularly to address any problems that may arise. Of course, stepping up your snack game is fine. Adding these options to the mix is a great idea.
