Heart-healthy foods: what is the best diet for your heart and which foods heal?

What is the best diet for a healthy heart? What foods can you eat that will improve your chances for cardiovascular wellness and a longer life? Certain whole foods are known for their ability to support heart health. Read on to find out which heart-healthy foods you need to keep in your fridge and eat more regularly.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans, New Zealanders, and many other Western nations. When combined with other complications of hardened arteries, such as stroke, heart disease accounts for more than 40% of all deaths. It seems that too much of the good life has gone straight to our hearts.

Heart disease is the term used to describe hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and blood clots, which can cause a blockage of the blood supply to the heart. The main symptom is angina, a pressure or pain in the chest, usually caused by stress or exertion. The worst outcome is a heart attack.

Can we do something to avoid suffering from these problems?

Fortunately, yes! And you have the power to make the necessary positive changes.
Diet is clearly a major contributing factor to heart disease. What should you eat to have a healthier heart?
A diet of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds can gradually replace fatty animal products, fried foods, and refined carbohydrates. This will improve blood cholesterol and blood fat balance. It will also lower blood pressure and provide nutrition to the heart muscle.

Whole foods with specific benefits for the heart and circulation

A study of heart health in New Zealand: In 2004, the New Zealand Ministry of Health published a study that looked at the causes of all deaths in New Zealand in 1997. The researchers found that diet is the leading cause of death with over 8500 attributable deaths in 1997 – 30% of all deaths in that year. Most of these were cardiovascular deaths.
One of the The main risk factors for heart disease are a diet low in vegetable fiber and high in animal foods, fried foods and refined carbohydrates.. By tilting this balance toward whole plant foods, we not only protect and support the heart, but we can also repair arterial damage that has already occurred. Even the healthiest body needs good nutrition for maintenance and repair. When there has been damage, there is an even greater need for proper nutrition.

Other lifestyle recommendations to improve heart health:

If you suspect you may be at risk for heart disease, see your doctor for a full evaluation.

Copyright Wild Health and Roger Wild 2007