Eating a healthy and balanced diet plays an important role in promoting a healthy heart. Adding fruits and vegetables in the diet proves to be an effective strategy in protecting and strengthening one’s because of the nutritional value they provide. A good diet for the heart is composed of fruits and vegetables which contain essential nutrients that have the capacity to enhance heart health. Vegetables are actually excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber, but it contains fewer calories Arance Sicilia. They are rich in essential phytochemicals like resveratrol, lycopene and anthocyanins which are claimed to be effective in reducing the risk of developing heart ailments and in controlling the level of cholesterol and blood pressure in the body.
Kale, lettuce, collards, cabbage, bok choy, turnip greens, cauliflower, sprouts, broccoli and spinach are some of the best vegetables which are capable of reducing the risk of developing serious cardiovascular diseases. Other vegetables which are packed with essential nutrients that promote heart health include Brussels sprouts, asparagus, beets, onions, carrots, garlic, squash and red peppers.
Many vegetables work by lowering the cholesterol level in the blood which when left uncontrolled can lead to a number of life threatening cardiovascular conditions. Heavy accumulation of bad cholesterol in the body usually leads to artery blockage. When left unmanaged, cholesterol can completely block the arteries, especially the coronary arteries. When this happens, heart attack is most likely to occur. The blockage of the arteries usually results to heart attack and stroke because of reduced or loss of oxygen supply to the heart and brain.
Vegetables also contain powerful substances that substantially lower the blood pressure which leads to a reduced risk of suffering from heart diseases. They are definitely beneficial to the heart but they aren’t created equal. Green leafy vegetables are more powerful in promoting heart health compared to other vegetables. In fact, green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of soluble fibers that significantly reduce the cholesterol level of an individual. Broccoli, collard greens, peas, kale, carrots and peanuts are great sources of soluble fiber. Furthermore, green leafy vegetables are rich in folate that maintains optimum homocysteine level.
Colorful vegetables are also beneficial for the heart because they contain huge quantities of antioxidants that have the optimum capacity to fight against the damaging free radicals. Free radicals can create significant impact to the human body because they can trigger the onset of heart disease, stroke and even cancer. Vegetables that come in a variety of color such as red, dark green, orange, purple and yellow are fortified with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that strengthen the heart and protect it against diseases. Lycopene, a nutrient usually found in tomatoes, is clinically proven to be a powerful substance that promotes heart health.
Results of scientific studies reveal that a minimum of five servings of vegetables in a day can significantly reduce the incidence of heart diseases, stroke and heart attack of an individual. Another study revealed that people who do not eat fruits and vegetables regularly are twice more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases.