Dark chocolate
Great news for everyone who can't imagine their life without sweets: research has shown the undeniable benefits of dark chocolate for the heart. Scientists attribute this fact to the large amount of polyphenols and flavonols contained in the product - anti-inflammatory elements that protect the entire cardiovascular system.
Edamame
Soybeans are an excellent source of magnesium, folate, and potassium. These nutrients can help lower blood pressure and maintain heart health while lowering the risk of heart disease. Edamame protects the heart by increasing the body's ability to produce low-density lipoproteins (LDL): receptors that act like bouncers, pulling "bad" cholesterol out of the blood. Scientists from the University of Leeds have analyzed a number of studies and found that the risk of cardiovascular disease is significantly reduced in those people who consume edamame on a regular basis.
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Rooibos tea
A recent study from Pennsylvania State University found that people who don't respond well to stressful situations have increased levels of inflammation in their bodies. This is directly linked to obesity, as well as problems such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. When anxiety rises, you are at the mercy of the stress hormone cortisol. It promotes the movement of lipids from the bloodstream to fat cells. Rooibos tea contains the unique flavonoid aspalatin, which reduces stress hormones that cause hunger and fat accumulation. This means that the heart will be reliably restrained from the appearance of fatty plaques.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are especially rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that, unlike most nutrients in fresh foods, increases after cooking and processing. Dozens of studies show a relationship between regular consumption of lycopene and a reduced risk of heart disease, skin damage, and certain types of cancer.
Walnuts
Walnuts are loaded with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which can significantly lower your risk of heart disease. The most comprehensive review of clinical trials on walnut consumption for cardiovascular disease found that consuming just 10 grams of walnuts five days a week lowers the risk of heart disease by nearly 40 percent!
Flax-seed
Flaxseed is the richest source of the same omega-3 fats that can help reduce inflammation, prevent mood swings, and ward off heart disease and diabetes.
Sprouted garlic
Scientists report that sprouted garlic has even more positive effects on the heart than fresh garlic. Studies have shown that the antioxidants contained here reduce the amount of plaque in the arteries by 30% in a few days.