Healthy Eating Tips that Can Prevent Heart Surgery

Article by Erin Harding

Healthy Eating Tips that Can Prevent Heart Surgery – Health – Medicine

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It’s a well known fact that the foods people eat can impact the health of their hearts. It is important to limit unhealthy types of fat, salt and cholesterol as well as sugar. But you don’t have to give up flavor in order to maintain a healthy diet. Here are a few healthy eating tips that can help you to prevent the possibility of heart surgery in your future.

One tip you can follow to prevent heart disease is to consider the delicious foods that you can eat more of instead of thinking in terms of what you have to give up. The power of positive thinking works in many circumstances, including a healthy diet. Think of all the lean chicken or fish dishes that form the centerpiece of a healthy meal. Consider the wide variety of nutritious, crunchy vegetables that are available. There are even deserts and snacks that can be enjoyed, such as those that incorporate fresh fruits, seeds or nuts.

With all of the seasonings that are available, it is easy to cut down on salt, fat and sugar, so another tip for heart-healthy eating is to season foods like lean cuts of meat or low-fat ice cream with fresh spices. Cinnamon is a spice that can be used in many main or side dishes to lower your blood sugar as well as LDL cholesterol levels through its potent antioxidant capability. Sprinkle it on low-fat ice cream or yogurt for a delicious desert. Add oregano to your pasta dishes for a punch of antioxidant power that is as strong as three cups of chopped broccoli. Pep up a salad by sprinkling on another antioxidant power house such as thyme. Of course you’ll want to use fresh spices whenever possible for the greatest heart-healthy effect.

Another tip for beating future heart surgery is to add more high-fiber foods to your daily meals. Some tasty high-fiber foods are beans. Eat them four or more times each week and you’ll be 22 percent less likely to develop heart disease than people who eat beans only once a week. That is a big difference, and it won’t take a lot of beans to reach it. Eat only half a cup or so per day, and the type of beans you consume doesn’t matter. Choose your favorites from green beans, black beans, pinto beans or others. Add them to salads and soups, make a pot of beanie chili or just eat them by themselves. They are a delicious way to add more healthful, filling fiber to your diet.

When you feel like snacking, a good tip is to munch on seeds. Chia seeds are a good choice for omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to helping the heart, they are beneficial for digestion, insomnia and concentration. Flax seeds are crunchy and flavorful, and they offer easy absorption that will bring you a lower risk of heart disease. Sesame seeds contain antioxidants that have been shown to reduce cholesterol while adding calcium to the diet, so eat them at snack time or sprinkle them on a salad or in soups. Pumpkin seeds are another delicious choice that will help you catch up on your omega 3 as well as adding protein to your snack.

Another handy tip for improving your diet is to add more vegetables to it. Because they are typically low in calories, veggies can fill you up and make you less inclined to gorge yourself on fatty foods. Filled with vitamins and minerals–plus fiber–vegetables such as spinach or cauliflower can be used in a healthy stir-fry meal or tossed in a salad. Keep broccoli, carrots and celery washed and cut in your refrigerator for quick, healthy snacks. By consuming five or more servings of healthy vegetables every day, you’ll quickly lower your risk of heart disease, heart attack and heart surgery by about twenty percent. Of course, eating those vegetables raw is the most efficient way to gain the health benefits, but you can stir fry or steam them as well. And when the weather is nice, grilling them outside can be an extra-special treat.

One final tip for heart healthy eating is to add a little fruit to your diet. Don’t go overboard, however, because fruits are high in sugar. But many of them, such as avocados, are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. That means they can reduce blood cholesterol levels. Fruits that contain large amounts of vitamin C–such as oranges and strawberries–can protect your arteries from damage. Red fruits are a logical choice for heart health. Pink grapefruit and watermelon both contain lycopene while apples and cherries contain anthocyanins. All of these will contribute to a healthier heart when consumed on a regular basis.

These are just a few healthy eating tips that can help you to prevent heart surgery in your future. Apply them to your diet today and start reaping the benefits right away.

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. All medical information presented should be discussed with your healthcare professional. Remember, the failure to seek timely medical advice can have serious ramifications. We urge you to discuss any current health related problems you are experiencing with a healthcare professional immediately.

About the Author

Erin Harding is a freelance writer who writes about a variety of topics including health tips to prevent heart surgery

Use and distribution of this article is subject to our Publisher Guidelines
whereby the original author’s information and copyright must be included.

Erin Harding

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