8 Foods Based Home Remedies to Prevent Heart Diseases

Heart disease involves a number of complications and includes a wide range of factors that affects the heart. Heart diseases include blockage of arteries or atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attack, heart failure and heartbeat problems called arrhythmias. Heart diseases have emerged as one of the major causes of death killing 56 million people worldwide in one year. The best way to take care of your heart is by introducing some healthy lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, eating healthy foods, giving up smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and managing stress.

Symptoms of Heart Disease

Some of the most common signs of heart disease are as follows:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitation
• Dizziness
• Excessive Sweating
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Home Remedies to Prevent Heart Diseases using Foods

Heart diseases has turned out as the leading cause of death around the world and although there are medicines that work effectively in protecting the heart yet inclusion of a few healthy foods can help in reducing the risk of coronary artery disease.

Flaxseed

These tiny seeds act as an effective home remedy for heart disease. The benefits of flaxseeds for health are numerous. It is the richest source of plant based omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids along with lignans and fibers all of which help in maintaining and improving heart health. Omega 3 and amino acids present in flaxseed helps in lowering blood pressure. It also lowers the level of LDL “bad” cholesterol in the blood and prevents the deposition of plaque on the inner linings of the arterial walls. Add a few tablespoons of ground flax in your fruit juice or smoothie or sprinkle it over salads and enjoy its delicious nutty flavor while improving your heart health.

Oily Fish

Oily fishes are a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids that helps in protecting the heart and preventing cardiovascular diseases. The health benefits of fish oil omega 3 need no new emphasis.  EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) are the two types of Omega 3 fatty acids present in fish oil. It helps in normalizing heartbeat and reduces the risk of arrhythmias. It also lowers blood pressure by decreasing the level of triglycerides and preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. It raises the level of heart healthy HDL “good” cholesterol in the blood. Omega 3 fatty acids also help in controlling diabetes and improving bone health in people suffering from osteoporosis.

Green Tea

Green tea works as an effective natural remedy for prevention of heart disease. Daily intake of this aromatic tea improves blood flow throughout the body and reduces the risk of blood clots. It lowers the level of LDL “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides, thereby minimizing the risk of heart attack and stroke. The polyphenolic compounds named Catechins present in green tea work as powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps in controlling blood pressure and revoking the damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Consume 2 to 3 cups of green tea on a daily basis and keep cardiovascular diseases at bay naturally.

Garlic

This pungent flavored kitchen spice has been used for ages to treat various diseases and health conditions. The health benefits of garlic are well known, and it functions as an effective home remedy that not only prevents the progression of heart diseases but also reduces the level of plaque formation in arteries that leads to atherosclerosis. It works efficiently for heart attack prevention by controlling various factors that lead to it. It lowers the LDL oxidation, reduces hypertension and prevents platelet aggression. Chew a few cloves of raw garlic first thing in the morning or take it in the form supplement as garlic oil capsules for effective results.

Oats

High level of cholesterol in the blood stream is one of the greatest enemies of the heart. High fiber foods such as oats, which is loaded with soluble fibers help in reducing the level of LDL “bad” cholesterol in the blood while keeping the level of HDL “good” cholesterol unaffected. Oats are a power food loaded with antioxidants avenanthramides that prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol and protects the arteries from inflammation and the damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Now start your day with a steaming bowl of oats, add few chopped almonds or pecans to get the daily dose of proteins and remain energized throughout the day.

Grapes

Including grapes and grape-based beverages in your daily diet can help in reducing the risk of heart diseases and diabetes. Grapes are a rich source of antioxidants and polyphenols that neutralizes the damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Resveratrol present in the skin of grapes helps in maintaining the elasticity of blood vessels, reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and preventing the formation of blood clots. It also improves blood flow throughout the body and prevents arterial damage. Grapes of all colors are beneficial for maintaining cardiovascular health.

Nuts

Eating nuts such as walnuts, pecans, almonds have amazing benefit for health. Nuts also help in protecting and improving heart health by lowering the level of LDL cholesterol and increasing the level of HDL cholesterol in the blood. They also prevent the formation of blood clots – a major reason for heart attack. Nuts are a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids along with fibers, vitamin E, plant sterols and L-arginine – all of which are beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart. While vitamin E reduces plaque formation, sterols lowers cholesterol and L-arginine improves the flexibility and elasticity of the arteries. Enjoy a handful of these delicious and healthy nuts the next time you crave for a snack.

Soy

Soybean is a powerful plant protein that has numerous health benefits. Soy products contain soy protein, isoflavones and fibers that work effectively in improving heart health by decreasing the concentration of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood stream while keeping the level of HDL cholesterol unaffected. Include soy products in your daily diet and replace animal-based sources of protein that a high in saturated fat with tofu and enjoy a cholesterol free healthy diet.

A few healthy lifestyle changes along with a healthy diet rich in nutrients and daily exercise can go a long way in preserving and improving cardiovascular health and minimizing the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

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