Eat these foods to maintain an optimum cardiovascular healthCardiovascular diseases are becoming an increasing health concern these days due to various reasons like unhealthy eating habits, work and personal life related-stress, sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercises. Heart problems also get coupled with high cholesterol levels and blood pressure too. Only exercising isn’t sufficient to maintain a healthy heart. One needs to eat the right foods for if too! Here’s a list of foods that are good for your heart:

Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetable like spinach, fenugreek, pak choy, radish leaves, lettuce, etc. are healthy and are known to reduce the risk of heart diseases and cancer as well. That’s because they are extremely low in fat, calories and high in dietary fibre. They also contain folic acid, magnesium, calcium, potassium, etc. These minerals are beneficial for the optimum functioning of the heart. Studies have shown that one daily serving of green leafy vegetables can lower the risk of heart diseases by 11 per cent.

Oats
Oats are one the most healthiest options available for breakfast. Not only do they make you feel full and energetic, they are great for your heart too. Oats contain beta glucan, which is a soluble fibre that helps bring down cholesterol levels especially LDL (bad cholesterol) in the body. Have oatmeal for breakfast or have oatmeal bread or cookies to absorb their benefits.

Whole grains
Whole grains whether its wheat, barley, millet, pulses and even beans for that matter are good for the heart because they provide natural fibre and vitamins. They contains vitamin E, iron, magnesium and a host of anti-oxidants. Regular consumption of of whole grains reduces blood pressure too.

Soy protein
Soy is essentially soyabean curd. They are also available in the form of soya chunks and soya mince easily in the market today. Soy is an excellent healthy substitute for red meats which are high in fat, increase the bad cholesterol and saturated fats which are very bad for the heart.

Olive oil
Olive oil is one of the most healthiest oils available, whose consumption is actually good for the heart. Having olive oil as a regular part of your diet, helps ion lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) in the body. Also, olive oil contains monounsaturated fats that are good for the heart and are packed with anti-oxidants. Extra virgin olive oil contains polyphenols and gives even greater health benefits. Drizzle some olive oil in your salad as a dressing instead of that unhealthy mayonnaise and high-calories dressings, or better still substitute it for your normal cooking oil and see the difference.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes is a good source of vitamins and acts as a blood purifier. Regular consumption of tomatoes is known to reduce the risk of heart diseases. Vitamin K present in tomatoes helps to prevent occurrences of hemorrhages. Eat tomatoes in the raw form in salads or sandwiches, cooked form in gravies or simply good old ketchup.

Apples
An apple a day, will surely keep the doctor away because they contain guercetin, a photochemical containing ant-inflammatory properties. It also helps in prevention of blood clots. Eat apples for breakfast with your cereal or eat them as a snack when you’re hungry instead to pigging out on deep-fried chips.

Almonds
Almonds when eaten in moderation is known to lower cholesterol levels in the body and heart diseases. They also contain vitamin B17, E and minerals like magnesium, iron, zinc and are a good source of monounsaturated fats.

prevention is your best bet. If you are looking for a way to kick start your heart-healthy lifestyle, look at your diet.

The food you eat has an impact on your heart and unhealthy eating, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle can damage your health. Registered Dietitian Akansha Jhalani suggests making these heart smart diet choices to combat heart disease.
# 1: Cut down on your fat intake

To prevent or reduce heart ailments, you need to choose the right types of fats and eat less fat in general. Our diet comprises a large amount of fat in general, regardless of the source. So cutting down on the fat and oil intake can be a good first step. Avoid fats that elevate cholesterol levels: saturated fats and trans fatty acids, which are present in bakery products, high-fat meats, fried food and dairy products like cream. Use healthier oils like olive oil, soyabean oil or rice bran oil.

# 2: Reduce your salt intake
Excess salt in your diet can cause blood pressure elevation, which increases the development of heart problems. Reduce your daily salt intake to not more than 6 gms a day. You can cut off your excess salt intake by using less salt for cooking, avoiding table salt while eating; cutting down on processed and canned foods and avoiding crackers and snacks, which are high in salt.

# 3: Eat more fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are low in calories, high in fibre and are power packed with vitamins and minerals. The fibre and antioxidant properties of various fruits and vegetables helps in the prevention of heart diseases. Make sure to consume fresh fruits and vegetables at least 5 times a day. Eating fresh produce can keep you full for a longer period and may prevent you from eating unhealthy snacks.
# 4: Maintain a healthy body weight
Being overweight can increase the risk of heart disease. Obesity caused by excess fat deposits in your body brings along with it a range of complex health issues. Maintain an ideal body weight for your height and age. A lifestyle change, balanced diet and moderate physical activity can help you attain your desirable weight.
#5: Eat whole grains
Whole grains are a good source of fibre, minerals and vitamins, which help regulate blood pressure and keeps your heart healthy. Further processing of whole grains gives you refined flour that is devoid of the fibre and vitamins. Refined products, due to less fibre, are absorbed quickly into our body; thus making them a source of high carbs. You can consume grains like quinoa or couscous, or add flax seeds or bran to your diet.
# 6: Consume fish twice a week
Fatty fish  are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which prevent against heart diseases. The vegetarian sources of omega – 3 fatty acids are flax seeds, rapeseed oil or walnuts.

# 8: Limit your sugar intake
Sugar provides easily digestible and readily absorbable carbohydrates. A lot of people do not know that sugar plays just as much of a role in heart disease as fats. Excess sugar is converted into fat and is stored in the body. Eating more than what is required can cause weight gain, elevated blood pressure and contribute as a risk factors for diabetes. Not more than 6-8 tbsp of table sugar should be consumed in a day.
# 9: Control your portions
How much you eat is just as important as what you eat. Keep a check on the quantity that you eat. Use smaller plates, cups and serving spoons. Do not put excess food on your plate and refrain from second helpings. While eating out at restaurants, do not order for more than what is required and stop when you are full. Avoid storing super sized food packages at home.
# 10: Eating healthy
Reaching out for a heart-healthy diet plan is the key. Eat fresh vegetables and fruits, avoid refined bakery products, say no to fried and junk foods and eating heart-healthy foods will help you win the battle against heart diseases.

# 11: Consume these secret super foods
Foods that have antioxidant properties reduce inflammation, “bad” cholesterol and increase the “good” cholesterol, keep your blood pressure in the desirable range and boost your immunity. Foods like garlic, onions, cruciferous vegetables, berries, oranges, flax seed, and nuts are vital for a healthy heart.
# 12: Choose low-fat proteins
Eating protein is a healthy start. But many good quality protein sources are also high in fat content. Wisely eliminate or choose options that are high in protein but considerably low in fat. Do not use the yolk while making an egg preparation. Opt for chicken and fish and cut down on meat, beef and pork, use leaner cuts that trim down the fat. Use methods like grilling, baking and barbecuing rather than frying and making gravies.
# 13: Physical activity
Sedentary lifestyle is a major cause of developing heart diseases. Physical activity keeps your weight in check, improves your heart rate, pumps more oxygen into your blood and keeps your heart healthy. Indulging in at least 30 mins of aerobic exercise has proven to improve your blood pressure, reduce the damage, and stress your heart goes through.
# 14: Quit smoking
Smoking consistently is known to be a major cause of Coronary Heart Disease. Smoking increases your heart rate and disrupts your blood pressure it also causes oxidative damage to our body. Try to kick the habit, if you want a healthy heart.
# 15: Read food labels
Learn to read the food labels for packages and gain knowledge about serving sizes. Look for certain health claims like low-fat, 1% fat, healthy, high fibre, unsalted and low calories. This can be helpful in determining what portion of food is to be consumed and its health benefits. This will help you to make healthier choices for a healthier heart.
# 16: Reduce eating out
Socialising or eating out too often can be dangerous for your heart. Frequently treating yourself to high calorie or fatty foods and desserts can cause excess fat consumption, higher calorie intake, eating more than what is needed and eating unhealthy. Choose wisely from the vast range of varieties and opt for healthier snacks while eating out.
# 17: Say no to processed food
Processed foods are high in calories, high in fats, have easily digestible carbohydrates, do not give satiety, are low in fibre and possess an array of health hazards. Cut down on consumption of ready to eat, ready to cook, instant foods. Reduce your intake of packaged snacks and say no to processed foods for a healthier heart.
# 18: Avoid stress
Stress is a leading causative factor for heart disease. Stress and unhealthy lifestyle can lead to number of health issues. Get rid of tension and aim for a healthier and happier life. Indulge in a new activity, listen to music to calm yourself or go for a walk when under immense pressure.
# 19: DASH diet
Adopt a dietary approach to stop hypertension. It provides the recommended allowance for cereals, pulses, poultry, fruits and vegetables. It also provides you with the restrictions required for salt and sugar consumption and it gives you an outline for a heart healthy diet.
# 20: Create daily menus and plans
Practice a daily regime of diet goals and aim for a healthier lifestyle. Plan your menu a day prior and try sticking to it. Account for the foods and the amounts you eat and assess yourself. Check your blood pressure routinely and give your heart the best TLC.