6 tasty and heart-healthy foods to eat

6 tasty and heart-healthy foods to eat

A healthy heart is a necessity for a healthy life. Whether you have already made some changes or are thinking about it, we are here to share information that can help. Coronary heart diseases are a common affliction these days. One of the significant contributors to heart disease is the food we eat. Therefore, it is essential to change our food preferences and switch to foods that are healthy for the heart without compromising on their taste.

Avocado
The green fleshy fruit is a perfect addition to eggs or on its own as guacamole. It is an amazing food to add to the grocery list considering its benefits for the heart. The fruit is a natural source of healthy fat and is sodium-free, transfat-free, and cholesterol-free. Almost 75% of the fat in avocados is unsaturated, taking it to the top of the list of heart-healthy foods. It also has plenty of fiber, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Dark chocolate
Yes, chocolate is lovely to eat when adding foods to the menu that are good for the heart. Dark chocolate specifically has higher protein and fiber content. Plus, the higher cocoa content lowers the amount of sugar in it. Choose a dark chocolate concentration that is palatable to you. Make sure you are choosing high-quality chocolate, as the kind and quality you add will have some impact on your health.

Berries
Berries are full of juices, sweet and tart. They also have abundant anthocyanin, an antioxidant known to help combat heart diseases and disorders. They also help decrease the amount of low-density cholesterol in the body. Berries can be added to any dish for flavor or have them as a snack.

Coffee
Coffee, a beverage of choice among numerous people, is a highly antioxidant drink. Studies suggest that regular coffee intake can also support cognitive health and lower the risk of heart disease. But, it is important to source your coffee from a healthy and reliable source. Coffee Bean Direct is a roaster-to-customer brand that provides freshly roasted coffee beans. You can check their services and even subscribe to supplies. Make use of Coffee Bean Direct coupons and promo codes available online for additional savings.

Walnuts
Adding walnuts to your bowl of overnight oats or to the pesto recipe you are so fond of can help strengthen your heart. Research suggests that making eating walnuts a regular part of your food intake habits makes it possible to keep blood pressure in check, lower inflammatory levels in the body with its antioxidant content, and decrease bad cholesterol levels. They bring richness to your dishes and the heart without much hassle.

Chia seeds
The tiny to look at seeds are a nutritional powerhouse that can add tons of essential nutrients and fiber to any meal. Add it to your protein shakes, yogurt bowls, or even cereal for taste and texture. Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially for people that do not like fish. Numerous studies indicate that Omega 3 is essential to maintaining a healthy heart.

Changing daily nutritional and lifestyle habits alone will not suffice for more severe heart complications like aortic valve stenosis. The FDA has approved treatments, including Edwards SAPIEN Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), as an alternative to open heart surgery. Patients who qualify for this procedure can get it done to restore normal blood flow within the aortic valve. 

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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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Top 5 probiotic foods for a healthy gut

Probiotics have often been found to be helpful in not only promoting heart health but also reducing depression and encouraging a healthy gut. Probiotics are living organisms that help promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Hence they are also effective in preventing many disorders, including diabetes. So, it's suggested to add probiotic fermented foods to one's meal plan. Read further to learn more about the benefits of probiotic foods. Promoting gut health - Top 5 foods to eat Yogurt One of the best sources of probiotics, yogurt has friendly bacteria that promote gut health. Furthermore, eating yogurt has multiple health benefits, including bone health, and can also benefit patients with high blood pressure. Additionally, yogurt can also be consumed by people with lactose intolerance as the bacteria turns some lactose into lactic acid, giving yogurt its sour taste. However, one should choose yogurt with active or live cultures to reap the benefits. Pickles Fermented cucumber pickles are also good sources of probiotics. They are not only low in calories but also improve digestive health. Moreover, they are rich in Vitamin K, which is essential in blood clotting. Hence, one should read the labels carefully and choose pickles that contain natural lactic acid to reap optimum benefits and promote gut health. Sourdough Usually, sourdough starter contains lactic acid bacteria. Hence it becomes an environment that promotes the growth of yeast and other gut-friendly bacteria. Furthermore, the bread contains natural probiotics that aid in the diverse growth of beneficial bacteria, further assisting digestion and promoting gut health. In addition, sourdough bread can also be employed for blood glucose management, reduction of cholesterol, and even for decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider is quite well known as an excellent health supplement. It is twice-fermented apple juice that contains natural probiotics. Furthermore, many people use apple cider vinegar to calm acid reflux and aid digestion. However, the product often has a strong flavor. So, you can either consume it directly or add it to the salad dressing for easy consumption. Miso A popular Japanese seasoning, miso is traditionally made by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji, a type of fungus. Furthermore, miso can also be made by mixing soybeans with other ingredients such as rice, barley, and rye. The resulting paste can be added to miso soup - a popular Japanese breakfast meal rich in probiotics. One of the main ingredients, the koji fungus, possesses immense anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the risk of inflammatory bowel disease and other digestive issues. Conclusion In addition to consuming the above foods, patients with digestive issues are also suggested to seek the advice of a healthcare professional at the earliest. A timely intervention will ensure the correct diagnosis and the development of a treatment plan.

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