Your heart is among the most vital organs in your body. That’s why it’s essential to keep it as healthy and strong as possible. According to cardiologists, one of the best ways to protect your heart is to eat the right foods. Here’s how your eating habits impact your heart health. 

How Does Your Diet Affect Your Heart Health?

Every food you eat can impact the health of your organs, including your heart. That means your diet may affect your risk of getting heart disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. Risk factors for heart disease include obesity, high blood pressure, and cholesterol problems. You can reduce your risk of heart disease by eating nutrient-rich, heart-healthy foods that help you manage your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Fruits & Vegetables 

Since they’re low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, fruits and vegetables promote healthy weight management. They can also help you control your blood pressure and cholesterol, lowering your risk of heart disease. Cardiologists suggest selecting fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables over fried, breaded, sugary, or sodium-rich varieties. This is because too much sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats can negatively impact your heart health. 

Healthy Fats

Monounsaturated fats (found in avocados, olive oil, and canola oil) and polyunsaturated fats (found in nuts and seeds) promote heart health by regulating the cholesterol levels in your blood. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, like salmon and mackerel, and walnuts, soybeans, and flaxseed, lower blood fats known as triglycerides. This results in lower blood pressure and reduces your risk of blood clotting and irregular heartbeats.

Whole Grains 

Because whole grains contain an exceptional amount of fiber and complex carbohydrates, they can help regulate your blood pressure and heart health. Choose whole-grain breads and pastas, along with other whole-grain foods like quinoa and farro. 

Beans, Peas, & Lentils

Beans, Peas, and Lentils promote heart health because they provide a substantial amount of protein while featuring no cholesterol and less fat than meat and dairy. When you do eat meat and dairy, choose lean meats such as skinless poultry and low-fat dairy products like skim milk. 

It’s important to schedule regular screenings for heart disease and to keep your heart in excellent shape. For more than 25 years, the team at Premier Cardiology Consultants has helped people throughout Dothan, AL, and the surrounding areas stay on top of their heart health. Lead cardiologist Nidal Yunis M.D. will evaluate the state of your heart and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan for any issues. Learn more about his services online, and call (334) 699-6396 to schedule an appointment.