Add these five fruits to your grocery list to boost your heart health.
All fruits may seem equal but when it comes to heart health, some are more equal than others. Check out these 5 fruits on the list packed with the right kind of nutrients that help maintain a healthy heart and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
1. Avocados
They have a bad reputation for getting spoiled when you least expect but they are an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These are linked to reduced cholesterol levels and a lower risk of heart disease. Also, Avocados are rich in potassium, a nutrient essential to heart health, and can help reduce blood pressure.
Studies show that avocado may help improve:
- LDL (bad) cholesterol levels
- Triglyceride levels
- Vascular function
2. Walnuts
Walnuts are a great source of fibre and micronutrients like magnesium, copper, and manganese, even though they are famous (in Nigeria) for being hawked in traffic and inducing thirst. Studies show that including a few servings of walnuts in your diet can help prevent heart disease as they decrease LDL (bad cholesterol).
Suggested Read: 5 Hidden Signs of Heart Disease Everyone Ignores
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a natural plant pigment with powerful antioxidant properties which help neutralize harmful free radicals. As such, they prevent oxidative damage and inflammation, which can contribute to heart disease.
4. Papaya
Popularly known as pawpaw, this fruit contains potassium and vitamins A and C. Deficiencies in these vitamins can cause heart disease, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart attack, and heart failure.
5. Apples
Apples are rich in fibre and flavonoids. In addition, studies have found that people who regularly eat apples are less likely to develop high blood pressure. Indeed, an apple a day can keep the doctor away.
