For a hearty start to your day include following nutrients in your diet:
- Fiber
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Mono Unsaturated Fats
- Folate
- Quercetin
- Lycopene
- Magnesium
1. Fiber
Fiber is the number one nutrient for protection against heart diseases, actually it has so many benefits that you may say it helps keep you live longer. There are two types of fiber that we get from our food:
- Soluble fiber: It is the soft sticky stuff that absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance. It is found abundantly in oats, barley, beans, apples, citrus fruits and carrots.
- Insoluble fiber comes from whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables. It is often called "roughage" and it adds bulk to the body waste. Whole wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, beans and vegetables, such as cauliflower, green beans and potatoes, are good sources of insoluble fiber.
2. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids like eicopentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are known to be beneficial for heart health. They decrease inflammation, prevent blood clotting, lower LDL cholesterol and have a positive effect on the heart's rhythm. Omega 3 cannot be made in our body and must be taken from our diet. EPA and DHA Omega 3 is abundant in fish . Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) can be achieved from vegetarian sources like vegetable oils, walnuts, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, and leafy vegetables are converted to EPA and DHA in the body.
3. Mono Unsaturated Fats
Monounsaturated fats are known to lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. They also provide raw material for helping the development and maintenance of our cells. By replacing saturated fats and trans fat with MUFA we choose health.The nuts also provide nutrients other than healthy oils that are heart protective too.
4. Folate
Homocysteine, an amino acid is linked to the hardening of the arteries, which is the chief cause of coronary artery diseases. Research has shown that B vitamins lower the levels of homocysteine and folic acid reduces the thickening of the arterial walls. A meta-analysis in the journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that folic acid lowers the risk of stroke 12% by lowering homocysteine levels in the blood and reducing artery wall thickening. Amaranth greens, spinach, mint, Bengal gram, green gram, black gram and soy are good sources of folic acid.
5. Quercetin
Apples are a great source of flavonoid quercetin. It is associated with anti-inflammatory properties and may lower the risk of plaque build-up, reducing BP and LDL cholesterol. Quercetin is also found in citrus fruits, onions, parsley, sage and tea.
6. Lycopene
It is an antioxidant that provides tomatoes its red colour. A number of clinical studies have established its protective role in lowering blood pressure and C reactive protein- a marker of cardiac inflammation.
7. Magnesium
It helps maintain nerve and muscle function, keeps the heart rhythm steady and maintains BP among other functions. High intakes of magnesium are associated with a significantly lower risk of CVD and IHD. Whole grains, black beans, soy and tofu, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and spinach are some of the best sources of magnesium.
8. Plant Sterols and Stanols
They are phytosterols, naturally occurring plant compounds that resemble the chemical structure of cholesterol. When ingested, they compete with cholesterol, thereby limiting the amount of cholesterol your body can absorb. National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) says, "Daily intakes of two to three grams of plant sterol/stanol esters will reduce LDL cholesterol by six to 15 percent. Wheat germ, wheat bran, peanuts, vegetable oils (corn, sesame, canola and olive oil), almonds and Brussels sprouts contain plant stanols and sterols.
