It’s no secret that your diet plays a big role in your cardiovascular health. For starters, limiting your intake of things like red meat, fatty fried foods, and high-sugar snacks is a must if you want to keep your heart in tip-top shape. But luckily, there are tons of heart-healthy alternatives out there that are delicious. Y great for your overall health. You don’t have to stop snacking forever!
To discover some of the best snacks you can eat daily to improve your cardiovascular health, we spoke with Jane Wencertified health coach and founder of spices and vegetables. He gave us four of his favorite options: apples, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and (our favorite) dark chocolate. Delicious!
1. apples
One of the best nutrients to consider when it comes to heart health is fiberAnd luckily, Wen says that snacking on an apple crisp is a great way to get more into your diet. “Apples are a great source of fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease,” she explains. But the heart-healthy benefits don’t end there; Wen notes that this crunchy fruit is also packed with antioxidants, which can protect your body from cell damage and lower your risk of certain diseases, including cardiovascular ones. We can neither confirm nor deny that an apple a day will keep the doctor away, but it can definitely help your health!
2. nuts
Walnuts are another fantastic option when it comes to heart-healthy snacks that are delicious and nutritious. Wen tells us that walnuts, in particular, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, “which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.” And just like apples, these crunchy treats “are also a good source of antioxidants and plant-based protein.” He can eat them by themselves by the handful or add them to a variety of recipes. He tries topping his oatmeal with nuts or baking them into a banana bread for an added bonus that can do wonders for his heart.
3. Pumpkin seeds
pumpkins they are healthy for many reasons thanks to all the amazing nutrients they offer, and it turns out that their seeds are great for you too, especially when it comes to heart health! “Pumpkins are a good source of magnesium, which helps relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure,” explains Wen. In addition to magnesium, these seeds also offer high amounts of iron and zinc, which she says are “essential for maintaining a healthy heart.” You can buy pumpkin seeds at the store or, better yet, use the whole fruit by cooking some pumpkin and roasting the seeds with a little salt. Hmm!
4. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate it is more than a sweet gift; Fortunately, it also has its fair share of health benefits, especially when it comes to your heart! “Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which have been shown to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow,” explains Wen. Of course, you shouldn’t go overboard with chocolate, but a little dark chocolate now and then can help improve your heart health and indulge your sweet tooth. However, Wen says that you should “choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to reap the most health benefits.” I understand!
Ultimately, the best way to help your heart thrive is to maintain a healthy diet, exercise every day, and see your doctor regularly to address any issues that may arise. But of course, it doesn’t hurt to step up your snack game, and adding these options to the mix is a great idea.
