Maintaining a healthy heart is essential to living a long and active life. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death globally, with an estimated 17.9 million deaths per year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Fortunately, there are simple steps one can take to reduce the risk of heart disease, and one of the most important is through diet.
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining heart health. Eating a variety of foods from all the major food groups can help to provide the body with the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to keep the heart functioning properly. In particular, consuming foods that are high in fiber, low in saturated and trans fats, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Fiber is an essential nutrient that is found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Consuming a diet that is high in fiber can help to lower cholesterol levels, which is a key risk factor for heart disease. Soluble fiber, in particular, has been shown to be effective in reducing cholesterol levels. Foods that are high in soluble fiber include oatmeal, beans, lentils, apples, and citrus fruits.
Saturated and trans fats are unhealthy fats that can increase cholesterol levels and increase.
