A doctor has shared a list of seven ‘heart-healthy’ foods that you should include in your diet if you want to boost your cardiovascular health – and some of them may surprise you
Ever wondered over what food you should be eating to keep your heart in top shape? Well, a doctor has now revealed seven foods that you should incorporate into your diet if you’re keen on improve your heart health. Dr Lott, an acupuncturist hailing from New York with a massive following on TikTok, shared his list of seven heart-friendly foods in an online post.
Topping his list were “blueberries”, which he claimed “dispel internal heat and benefit the heart muscle”. These tiny power-packed berries are also brimming with antioxidants and nutrients that slash the risk of heart disease by preventing cholesterol from clogging up your arteries.
Strawberries also earned a spot on the list as they champion heart health in a similar vein to blueberries.
Studies suggest that strawberries might also enhance your body’s sensitivity to insulin.
Next up are nuts, which “promote circulation and lower blood pressure” according to Dr Lott.
Nuts also do wonders for the heart as they’re loaded with healthy fats and fibre, which can help cut down cholesterol levels.
Like berries, they’re packed with antioxidants too.
Spinach was fourth on Dr Lott’s roster. He said it’s “great for both your heart and liver as it moistens internal dryness”.
Spinach benefits your heart in a number of other ways too; it contains nitrates that aid in expanding blood vessels and improving blood flow, as well as potassium, folate, and magnesium, which all assist your body in producing nitric oxide – a molecule that lowers blood pressure.
Dr Lott highlighted salmon for its ability to “enriches blood”. This fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure and improve blood flow.
He also recommend olive oil, stating it “benefits the heart muscle”. Consuming olive oil in moderation can be beneficial for your heart as it’s high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which can boost ‘good’ HDL cholesterol and decrease ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol.
It also contains compounds that can help prevent plaque build-up in arteries.
Lastly, he suggested adding beans to your diet as they “increase blood circulation” and “stimulate the adrenal system”. Beans are rich in antioxidants, folate, and magnesium, which can aid in reducing blood pressure.