Foods Good for the Heart

The technical term for clogged arteries is atherosclerosis. Before you can unclog existing blockages of the arteries, you must take steps to stop the clogging. Exercise is a key component as discussed in previous posts.

The next step is to change the eating habits that caused the clogging in the first place. I could focus on what you should not eat. In future posts I'll get to an enlightening discussion on cholesterol and hydrogenated fats, the single biggest contribution to heart disease and other ailments. But I prefer to start you on a positive note with action that you can take. Start eating healthy, wholesome, raw foods.

Here are three key nutrients for the heart and the foods you can eat to get them.

In addition to preventing memory loss, Vitamin E protects the heart. Foods high in Vitamin E include mango, kiwi Fruit, blackberries, avocado, asparagus, parsnips, kale, tomatos, sweet potato, mushrooms, brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, sesame seed, sunflower seeds, oats, barley, quinoa, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), oysters, eggs, green tea, wheatgrass, alfalfa sprouts, wheatgerm, coconut oil (use cold pressed only), olive oil.

Potassium reduces high blood pressure and maintains a regular heartbeat. Foods high in Potassium include grapes, papaya, oranges, lemons, bananas, prunes, kiwi fruit, blackcurrant, canteloupe, grapefruit, figs, cherries, rhubrab, avocado, beetroot, cucumber, celery, parsnip, cabbage, tomatos, sweet potato, radishes, mushroom, asparagus, swiss chard, almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, millet, lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, sardines, prawns, chicken, yoghurt, parsley, fennel, dandelion leaves, cayenne pepper, wheatgrass, alfalfa sprouts, cider vinegar (like Braggs).

Essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) provide many anti-aging benefits but in particular protection against heart disease. Foods high in essential fatty acids include avocados, brazil nuts, walnuts, cashews, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, sardines, salmon, herring, wheatgerm.

Essential fatty acids prevent and combat inflammation, a major factor in heart disease. Read more about inflammation here.

Source: Top 100 Foods for a Younger You, Sarah Merson. Every food listed in this book is good for the heart.