Summer Treats that can Provide Great Benefits to your Cardiovascular Health
Summer Treats that can Provide Great Benefits to your Cardiovascular Health
For the last 20 years it has become clear that food plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Change in eating habits is a difficult task for many people, but it may be the only possible way of an effective treatment if you want to achieve progress in healing.
There’s no need to spend a lot of money if you want to eat healthy and tasty even during the hot summer days. Many foods that are specific for the summer season have many hidden benefits for your body, especially your cardiovascular health. Indeed, below you may discover summer treats that your taste buds are going to enjoy and will help you maintain a healthy cardiovascular system at the same time.
Watermelon
The delicious watermelon is summer’s natural protector of the heart. Introduction of this food in the menu encourages the cardiovascular and immune system, and has a beneficial effect on people’s overall health. Eating sweet tasting melon, and particularly drinking it as fresh juice, can also have some significant health benefits. Watermelon is extremely rich in vitamins A and C, B6 and B1, lycopene, beta-carotene as well as magnesium and potassium. In addition to being an antioxidant, its vitamin C and B6 protect the heart while the body uses B1 to obtain energy. Magnesium and potassium play an important role in helping you balance blood pressure.
Iceberg Lettuce
Many people wrongfully assume that iceberg lettuce doesn’t have that many health benefits. People are wrong! In fact, this summer treat serves as a good source of some essential nutrients like vitamin K and dietary fiber. Vitamin K helps support bone health, thus reducing osteoporosis risks, but – what may be more important – it participates in the forming of blood clots. Its carbs serve as a support for the proper functioning of your nervous system while its ability to transform alpha and beta-carotene lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular and related diseases.
Spices
Plant remedies have been used for many centuries to maintain or improve people’s general health. Spices and their active compounds are rich in antioxidants and have very low calorie content; they may help manage some chronic conditions too. For example, turmeric is a spice that has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can inhibit tumor cell growth. Spices can successfully suppress enzymes which activate carcinogens. Similarly, cinnamon stabilizes blood sugar and lowers bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
Dark Chocolate
It was scientifically proven 3-4 squares of dark chocolate a day can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. The secret probably lies in the high level of cocoa. Researchers also found that the group of smokers who consumed 40 grams per day of dark chocolate established an improved function in the arteries as a result of high levels of cocoa. Dark chocolate containing 74% cocoa is also rich in antioxidants that prevent heart damage.
Party Dip
The most popular compounds found in party dips are tomatoes and avocados, which contain a series of healthy nutrients. If we were to add more vegetables, have the salt removed and replace it with spices, the end result would be a dip that can provide great taste and healthy vitamins and minerals (let’s not forget that avocados are extremely high in “good” fats).
Nuts
Peanuts, walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts are nuts that keep the heart healthy due to their high quantities of omega-3s. Walnuts in particular contain high amounts of vitamin E, a type of vitamin with properties that protect the walls of the arteries and prevent them from stiffening. They are also rich in fibers, which reduce cholesterol level in the blood. It is important not to overdo it with nuts – consume 50-100g per day max.
Supplements as an excellent summer treat
Believe it or not supplements can be an excellent summer treat. In spite of the fact that they come in tablet or capsule form, they pack a lot of health benefits for the heart. Before starting a treatment, you should consult with your physician to recommend you the right type. Some of the best supplements for heart health are coenzyme Q10, fish oil, garlic and green tea. Adults and seniors should definitely consider them to cope better with the hot summer days, and protect their heart and general wellbeing.
By Jefferey Morgan and Supplemented.co.uk!