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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Foods to improve cardiovascular health

Heart diseases are responsible for 2,200 deaths in the United States each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Changes to lifestyle and a healthy diet can help reduce your risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and keeping stress levels under control are good ways to minimize your risk.

Here are some foods you should include in your diet:

Salmon The American Heart Association recommends eating fish twice a week, especially fish like salmon, rich in fatty acids, omega-3. The omega-3 may reduce the risk of arrhythmias, the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, lower cholesterol and help keep blood pressure low.

Olive Changing the butter with olive oil may lower cholesterol levels. Monounsaturated fats found in olive oil still fats and exercising moderation.

Nuts A 2011 study concluded that the nuts consume meat rather than as a source of protein resulted in a decrease in the risk of stroke. The unsaturated fat in nuts may help reduce cholesterol in comparison to red meat. Nuts are high in fat and calories, so portion control is necessary.

Berries Berries are high in a type of antioxidants called polyphenols, which can lower blood pressure and promote good cholesterol. A 2011 study found that these have a compound called anthocyanins, which protects against hypertension.

Oat soluble fiber in oats reduces the absorption of "bad" cholesterol in blood vessels, which helps keep arteries.

Soya The allegations that lower cholesterol are still being debated, but soy protein is a source of low fat when compared to red meat.

Dark chocolate flavonoids compounds that act as antioxidants, satisfy your sweet tooth and palate help lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots.

Popcorn Popcorn popped with hot air, and not those drenched in butter and covered with salt, are an amazing source of antioxidants and fiber, according to a 2009 study, because technically are whole grains.

Tomatoes Tomatoes are the major source of lycopene in the American diet, according to a study of 2011. Preliminary experiments suggest that lycopene helps prevent cardiovascular problems given their anti-inflammatory.

Seaweed Like all green counterparts from the earth, seaweed contains impressive benefits for the heart as antioxidants and healthy fats.

Papas The Sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants that fight disease and regular potatoes contain fiber and potassium, important to keep your heart working properly.

Café A 2011 study suggested that coffee is a great source of antioxidants in the diets of people. Although further studies are needed to determine how caffeine counteracts free radicals in the body, but it seems that battle heart disease and Alzheimer's.

Alcohol A 2011 study published in the British Medical Journal found a 14 to 25% in the disease heart in people who consume alcohol in moderation, compared to abstainers.

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