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The 10 Best Foods for Your Heart
Maybe Popeye was onto something all those years ago. UMH Dietician Robin Spence lists her 10 best foods for heart health, with spinach taking top honors.
- Spinach — All leafy greens provide folic acid (cuts heart attack risk), vitamins A & C (antioxidants), potassium (helps control blood pressure) and fiber (helps lower cholesterol).
- Fish & shellfish — Fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids which help prevent blood platelets from sticking together, sudden cardiac death and arrhythmias.
- Dried beans & peas — A great source of potassium, soluble fiber and cholesterol-free protein.
- Watermelon, cantaloupe — Full of antioxidants, potassium, vitamin C and fiber.
- Soy protein — 25 grams or more of soy protein daily, such as tofu or soy milk, helps lower cholesterol.
- Oatmeal & barley — Soluble fiber helps rid your body of cholesterol and lessens the effect of carbohydrates on blood glucose levels.
- Garlic & onions — Garlic helps prevent platelets from sticking together. Onion does too, but to a lesser degree.
- Sweet potatoes — Sweet potatoes are a rich source of vitamin A and potassium.
- Avocado — Packed with nutrients including vitamins A & E, soluble fiber and healthy monounsaturated fat.
- Skim milk — Provides protein and potassium without fat. Calcium can also help control blood pressure.
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