“Let food be thy medicine” – Hippocrates. There are some heath issues that you can actually solve through proper diet. If you have heart disease, are at risk for heart disease, or simply want to improve and safeguard your cardiovascular function, you might be interested to know that it is possible to eat your way to improved health. We have all heard about heart healthy diets, but what does this actually mean and what foods are considered to be “heart healthy.”

 

Heart healthy foods are those that provide lean proteins, lots of nutrients, and that are low in bad fat and rich in good fats. These can help reduce plaque buildup and aid in the overall healthy functioning of the heart.

 

One of the best ways to improve heart health via diet involves a change in the source of proteins. Much of the bad fat and cholesterol we ingest come from fatty cuts of meat. Meat is a great source of calories, protein, and vital nutrients, but not all meats are considered equal. Fish and seafood that is high in Omega-3 fatty acids is not only great for the brain, but for the heart as well. Nuts and legumes are another heart-healthy and filling source of protein and sustained energy.

 

Orange-hued foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and yams, squash are also incredibly heart healthy foods containing fiber, carotenoids, and a ton of vitamins and minerals that promote healthy heart functioning. Richly hued berries like blueberries also pack a potent punch of heart healthy free radical fighters.

 

Spinach is a surprisingly nutritious green and works well in most recipes and places that you would commonly use iceberg lettuce. Tender baby spinach is a delicious alternative to salad greens or perfect on a lean turkey sandwich. Spinach is rich in iron and other vitamins and minerals that promote optimal heart functioning. On top of all that, it is just plain yum too.

 

Other veggies and fruits like asparagus, tomatoes, citrus fruits, melons, and broccoli contain large amounts of heart-healthy nutrients like beta carotene, folate, lycopene, potassium, and other important vitamins and minerals.

 

Adding any or all of these foods to your diet is an excellent way to help improve cardiovascular functioning and overall health and wellness. The foods we discuss here are healthy, nutritious, and delicious and will help to promote optimal bodily function, not just heart function.

 

If you live in the Tampa bay area and are looking for a great cardiology team, please call us at 813-975-2800. Patient comfort and care are a priority here at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. We look forward to talking with you. www.tampacardio.com.