Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : September 29, 2016, 11:30 AM
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We all know that junk foods and foods loaded with oil, salt and sugar are not good for the heart. But do you know about heart-healthy foods? Well, here is a list of seven foods you can eat daily for a healthy heart.
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Paneer: Unlike common dairy products like cheese, butter and ghee which are not healthy for the heart, paneer is good. This is because it is not only low in fats but also rich in proteins and has low levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
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Tomatoes: The presence of lycopene in tomatoes not only prevents the build-up of cholesterol but also prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol, thereby lowering your risk of heart disease. Moreover, it also helps in maintaining your blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke, when eaten daily.
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Chillies: A study published in the European Journal of Public Health revealed that a 4-week chilli diet plan reduced resting heart rate and helped in maintaining blood pressure in control. However, make sure you do not overload your diet with chillies as eating in excess can lead to acidity and indigestion.
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Onions: Not many people are aware of the fact that adding onions in diet can lower your risk of heart disease and also prevent from it. Onions contain quercetin, an antioxidant, which prevents free radical damage and protects the heart from the harmful effects of cholesterol. It also helps in thinning the blood.
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Apple: The age-old adage, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ holds true even in the case of heart health. The presence of antioxidants prevents freer radical oxidation and the presence of pectin (fibre) can lower cholesterol by 20% in six weeks, says an American study published in The British Medical Journal.
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Avocado: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, revealed that eating an avocado a day produces a heart- protective effect. Avocado is packed with monounsaturated fats, fibre and fats, which prevent accumulation of plaque on the arterial wall and lowers your risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
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Pumpkin seeds: Snacking on pumpkin seeds can go a long way in not only aiding in weight loss but also improving your heart health. These seeds are loaded with phytosterols which prevent absorption of cholesterol from food thereby lowering your total cholesterol. The presence of magnesium lowers your risk of stroke and prevents you from getting a heart attack.
