Easy nutrition tips for a healthy heart

There is probably no need to point out the importance of the healthy heart, but in order to maintain its health, prevention plays the most important role. Not many people think about it or pay attention to their health until the first signs indicating that something is wrong begin to emerge. Since proper and healthy nutrition and regular physical activity are the two most important things for the overall health, it can be said that these two things are the most important for the health of this organ as well. In the following lines, a few useful tips will be given on the diet and nutrients that should be added due to their positive effect on the heart.

What should be included in nutrition for a healthy heart?

Omega-3 fatty acids can prevent a number of heart diseases, which implies how beneficial for this organ they are. Besides, by adding them to the diet, the cardiovascular system will be better protected as well, which is also important. It was scientifically proven that those who consume it in greater amounts are less susceptible to developing blood clots. Fish, walnuts and various seeds are its richest natural sources, but there are supplements, which might even be a better choice.

Antioxidants should be an inevitable part of everyone’s nutrition, but those who want to protect their heart should consume them in higher amounts. Besides the fact that they can neutralize or at least reduce the damage that free radicals cause, they also improve the flow of the blood. Vitamin C, lycopene and vitamin E are some of the most important antioxidants, and they can also be found in foods and in the form of supplements.

Calcium is probably the most important mineral when it comes to the proper functioning of the heart, since it is responsible for the contraction of muscles, but the relaxation of this organ greatly depends on it as well. Dairies and leafy vegetables are rich in this mineral, and natural sources should be used as much as possible. If a person lacks this mineral, the risks of developing arteriosclerosis and hypertension increase.

Folic acid is particularly important for elderly people, because it assists in prevention of various heart diseases and stroke. Beans, peas and cereals are some of its sources, but it might be a good idea to use the supplements that contain it as well, because sometimes the required dosage cannot be taken in through food only.