World Heart Day: 5 Best Food Supplements to Improve Heart Health

World Heart Day reminds one to take care of the heart and to prevent the deterioration of a healthy cardiovascular system. Regular exercise and a proper diet are important, but some food supplements benefit heart health.

A heart-healthy diet is foundational in cardiovascular well-being, and there is no single "superfood" for heart health. Therefore, a well-rounded diet rich in nutrient-dense foods can be very heart-healthy. Most superfoods are dense with nutrients that help heart health; the best thing is that they are all easy to add to your diet.

This blog will examine some of the best foods for maintaining a robust and healthy heart.

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fish is a low-fat source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein, besides being low in saturated fat. Therefore, people who have heart disease or are at a high risk of developing the disease have increased recommendations for omega-3 intake through diets that include fish. This is because they reduce the risk of abnormal heartbeats and slow plaque growth in arteries.

The American Heart Association says we should have up to a 3.5-ounce serving of fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, or albacore tuna at least twice a week.

2. Fibre Supplements

Fibre supplements, mainly soluble fibre, play a very important role in heart health since they contribute to lowering LDL or bad cholesterol. Some common fibre supplements, such as psyllium husk, reduce cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream, assuring good circulation and heart function.

3. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate inhibits two mechanisms related to atherosclerosis, namely arterial stiffness and white blood cell adhesion. White blood cells stick to the walls of blood arteries.

Furthermore, studies show that dark chocolate contains many disease-fighting antioxidants. It has been proven to reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. If dark chocolate is not loaded with sugar and saturated fat, studies have proven it is a heart-healthy chocolate treat and much more.

4. Liver

Like all organ meats, the liver is the richest in nutrients. Notably, the liver is full of folic acid, iron, chromium, copper, and zinc, all elements that raise the hemoglobin level in the blood and help keep our heart healthy.

5. Nuts

Nuts considered heart-healthy include almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts. All these nuts generally contain protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Walnuts also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are an ideal heart-healthy snack.