1. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are high in vitamin K which helps to protect your arteries and promote proper blood clotting. Leafy greens are also a good source of dietary nitrates which reduce blood pressure and improve the function of cells lining blood vessels.
2. Whole Grains
Whole Grains are high in fiber, which can help reduce LDL cholesterol and is also associated with lower blood sugar levels. Oats are a great source of soluble fiber, which help promote a healthy gut as well as increase fullness. Rolled oats are a perfect add-in to your daily smoothie.
3. Salmon
Salmon is filled with omega-3 fatty acids which can lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides, and lower total cholesterol.
4. Walnuts
Walnuts are a good source of fiber, copper, magnesium and omega-3s. They help lower cholesterol and prevent inflammation in the arteries of the heart. They make a good add-in to SmoothieBox's Orange Smoothie mix and a healthy snack alternative for junk food.
5. Almonds
Although small, almonds are incredibly nutrient dense, field with vitamins, minerals, monounsaturated fats and fiber. They help reduce LDL cholesterol while simultaneously helping to improve HDL cholesterol which reduces plaque buildup in the arteries.
Try adding almonds or almond butter to SmoothieBox's Green Smoothie mix.
6. Beans
Beans contain resistant starch- instead of being digested, it is fermented by the good bacteria in your gut. Resistant starch can decrease blood levels of both triglycerides and cholesterol.
7. Edamame
Edamame is made from soybeans so it is high in flavonoid antioxidants that help lower cholesterol levels. It is also very high in heart healthy fiber.
8. Dark Chocolate
Dark Chocolate is high in antioxidants, in particular flavonoids which boost heart health and help lower your risk of heart disease. SmoothieBox's Chocolate Smoothie mix is made with cacao and tastes like a chocolate-covered banana.
9. Olive Oil
Olive oil is filled with antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids that protect blood vessels and relieve inflammation in arteries.
10. Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are all filled with important antioxidants that protect against heart disease. They are especially high in anthocyanins which protect against stress and inflammation in blood vessels.
They help control blood pressure and blood clotting and reduce LDL cholesterol. Strawberries and blueberries are a main ingredient in our Berry Smoothie.
SmoothieBox smoothies can give you a head start thanks to their nutrient dense smoothie packets. Our smoothies contain leafy greens, berries, nuts and seeds which gives you an easy way to incorporate many heart healthy foods into your diet in one sitting.
Small changes in your diet can provide you with outstanding results, and in the long run your body will thank you for it.
References
20 Foods That Can Save Your Heart. (2019, February 26).
Link, R. (2018, March 5). “15 Incredibly Heart-Healthy Foods.” Healthline, Healthline Media.