Cardiovascular Wellness Tips:10 Superfoods To Implement in Your Diet

The way to cardiovascular wellness starts from a healthy stomach,and the Indian kitchen is a treasure trove packed with an abundance of incredible foods and herbs. Our traditions and customs are centred around food for a good reason: health starts with nourishing foods. However, it’s essential to recognize that diseases can also originate from dietary habits.

Therefore, we’ve chosen 10 easily accessible superfoods to incorporate into your daily diet for cardiovascular wellness :

Pulses and Legumes:A staple in Indian kitchens, lentils, beans, and chickpeas are powerhouses of fibre, protein, and essential nutrients. They help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease. Enjoy them in dals, salads, soups, or even as healthy snack options.
Turmeric:This golden spice holds immense medicinal properties. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can benefit heart health by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation in the arteries. Include turmeric in curries, stir-fries, or even golden milk for a warm and comforting beverage.
Olive Oil:While not traditionally Indian, olive oil has gained popularity for its health benefits. Rich in monounsaturated fats, olive oil can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and improve good cholesterol (HDL) levels, contributing to a healthy heart. Use olive oil for cooking, salad dressings, or drizzled over vegetables.
Flaxseeds:These tiny seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, essential for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation. Grind flaxseeds and sprinkle them on salads, yogurt, or oatmeal, or enjoy them as a healthy snack.
Garlic:This pungent yet versatile ingredient is not just a flavour enhancer but also a cardiovascular wellnesshero. Garlic helps lower blood pressure and improve blood flow, thanks to its sulphur-containing compounds. Enjoy garlic in curries, stir-fries, or even raw for a potent health boost.
Fenugreek:This herb, commonly used in dals and curries, is rich in fiber and antioxidants. Studies suggest fenugreek may help lower bad cholesterol and blood sugar levels, contributing to overall heart health.
Almonds:These readily available nuts are a powerhouse of vitamin E, healthy fats, and fibre. Almonds can help lower bad cholesterol and improve blood vessel function, promoting a healthy heart. Enjoy them as a snack, sprinkle them on salads, or incorporate them into desserts.
Papaya: This tropical delight is packed with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fibre. Papaya can help lower inflammation, improve blood pressure, and promote overall heart health. Enjoy it fresh, in smoothies, or incorporated into salads and yoghourt parfaits.
Dark Chocolate:Indulge guilt-free with dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa. Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, antioxidants that can improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure, benefiting heart health.
Yogurt:This probiotic-rich food is not just delicious but also heart-friendly. Yogurt helps lower bad cholesterol and improve blood pressure, promoting overall cardiovascular health. Choose plain yogurt and add fresh fruits, nuts, or honey for a delightful and nutritious snack.

Remember, a healthy heart requires holistic heart care. While incorporating these superfoods into your diet is valuable, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced and active lifestyle for optimal cardiovascular wellness.

It’s always wise to take precautions rather than seeking a cure.

Trust HeartTarang Portable ECG Device for cardiovascular wellness monitoring and Stay tuned to HeartTarang blogs for more heart-healthy tips.

What is health? The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This means that if we’re not mentally and socially well, our physical health can suffer too.If any of these areas are neglected, maintaining good physical health becomes challenging. Physical well-being is closely tied to having a good life, which relies on a healthy state of mind. The heart, a crucial organ for our well-being, faces various challenges like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, putting considerable strain on it. It’s important to realise that heart health isn’t only about having a fit body but also about having a healthy mind and emotions.

Currently, in India around 200 million people are dealing with mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. This emphasises the need for open discussions about how mental health affects heart health and when it’s crucial to seek professional help.

How mental health impacts the heart?

Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress can have profound effects on heart health.
These conditions lead to physiological changes in the body, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, inflammation, and altered immune function.
Over time, these changes can contribute to the development or exacerbation of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

Mechanisms of Impact:

Depression and anxiety activate the body’s stress response, leading to the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
Chronic stress triggers inflammation in the body, which can damage blood vessels and contribute to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Persistent high levels of stress hormones and inflammation can strain the heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes.

Emotional Factors:

Mental health issues can also impact behaviours that affect heart health, such as smoking, unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, and poor medication adherence.
Additionally, individuals with mental health disorders may experience social isolation, lack of social support, and difficulty accessing healthcare, further increasing their risk of heart problems.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):

SAD, a subtype of depression that occurs during specific seasons, particularly in fall and winter, can also impact heart health.
While the exact mechanisms linking SAD to heart health are still being studied, research suggests that disruptions in circadian rhythms, altered serotonin levels, and increased production of inflammatory markers may contribute to cardiovascular risk factors.

Impact on Heart Disease:

Individuals with mental health disorders are at a higher risk of developing heart disease and experiencing adverse cardiovascular events.
Depression, in particular, has been linked to a two to four-fold increase in the risk of coronary artery disease and a higher likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
Moreover, mental health disorders can worsen the prognosis and outcomes of existing heart conditions, leading to higher mortality rates.

But how can we tell if it’s just sadness or something more serious? There are physical signs that can help us understand whether it’s just a passing feeling or if our bodies are trying to tell us something important.

When to seek help?

Here are some physiological symptoms that may indicate it’s time to seek professional help:

Fatigue or low energy levels
Changes in appetite or weight
Insomnia or sleeping too much
Headaches or migraines
Muscle tension or body aches
Digestive issues such as stomach pain or nausea
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Sweating or trembling

Knowing when to seek help for mental health issues that may impact heart health is crucial for early intervention and prevention of long-term complications.
In the fight against mental health challenges, staying vigilant and recognizing the signs is crucial. Regularly monitoring your heart’s health and understanding its fluctuations is essential. HeartTarang Portable ECG can serve as your dependable heart health partner.

Month: February 2024