There are so many benefits plant-based foods can bring you and so many delicious recipes to try too. One of the major ones is the improvement of heart health — so many varieties can help prevent disease and other concerning conditions. Here are a few plant foods that might be able to give a little boost to your heart.
1. Berries
These antioxidant-rich foods can help protect the body against stress and inflammation, which can prevent heart disease. Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are especially beneficial.
2. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens of all kinds can help promote heart health. Spinach, collard greens, kale and seaweed are great sources of antioxidants and vitamin K, which can help reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow through your arteries.
3. Oats
Oats, like many whole grains, can be fantastic for heart health. They are high in fiber and protein, which can be extremely beneficial for heart health and blood flow. Steel-cut oats are ideal.
4. Fresh Herbs
When bringing more plant-based foods into your diet, you don’t need to sacrifice on taste. Seasoning your food with salt and pepper can feel like a standard choice, but it can actually be rough on your heart health. Even natural salt and butter can be bad for your cholesterol and contribute to heart disease. Seasoning your food with fresh herbs can be a fantastic alternative that still tastes great.
5. Black Beans
It’s a long-held fact that black beans, among other legumes, are great for your heart. They are packed with protein and antioxidants and also contain magnesium and folate, which can help control your cholesterol and lower your blood sugar levels. Additionally, they taste fantastic in various recipes.
6. Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of many healthy fats you can cook with. Some fats are OK in moderation, and it’s a good idea to use the best quality ones for cooking. Olive oil is a great choice for this, and it’s especially better than butter or margarine.
7. Avocados
If you’re looking for a whole food that serves as a healthy fat, look no further than avocados. They are a tasty and hydrating fruit that provides various nutrients that are great for the heart. Try adding these on top of any recipe, from a salad to your favorite Mexican dish.
8. Walnuts
Plant-Based Foods range from nuts, seeds to greens. Walnuts are some of the best nuts you can snack on for your heart health. Just a small handful each day has the power to lower your cholesterol. Walnuts are also anti-inflammatory and can prevent problems in your arteries. They also serve as a healthy fat and provide omega-3 fatty acids, which can sometimes be difficult to find in plant-based foods.
9. Edamame
Edamame are soybeans in their whole form. Soy protein can lower cholesterol levels and provide fiber, which is great for your heart. You can eat them as a snack or buy bags of frozen edamame at the grocery store and add them to your recipes.
10. Almonds
Almonds are fantastic for your heart health. They help lower bad cholesterol and provide fiber, and they also work as a great source of protein.
Preventing Heart Disease With Plants
There are so many fantastic plant-based foods that can benefit your health in various ways. No matter what kind of foods you like, you can definitely find something to include in your diet that will help prevent heart disease and improve your health.
You might also enjoy reading…
If you love experimenting packing plant-based foods into your daily diet, The Oh She Glows Cookbook is packed with more than 100 delicious vegan recipes such as go-to breakfasts, protein-packed snacks, hearty entrees, and decadent desserts. From entrees like the Empowered Noodle Bowl to sweet treats like the Chilled Chocolate Espresso Torte and The Oh She Glows cookbook is also allergy-friendly, with many gluten-free and soy-free options. Whether you are a vegan or simply want to incorporate a few vegan meals into your week, Angela’s recipes are a must-have for anyone who longs to eat well, feel great, and simply glow.
Photography by T. Rodriguez
