Food for the heart
Eating a consistently healthy diet and getting adequate exercise are part of the recipe for a healthy heart. Whether you have had heart problems or are working to avoid them, making some diet and lifestyle changes can make a difference.
As part of a balanced and heart-healthy diet, herbal supplements can add extra help. Remember to always check with your doctor before you start taking herbal or natural supplements, many of which have been used for thousands of years by many cultures around the world.
Some of these herbal supplements include:
- Cinnamon: It has been used for thousands of years and loved for numerous medicinal properties—lowering unhealthy cholesterol levels and possibly blood pressure.
- Garlic: It gives a kick to your heart health. This kitchen staple may help a variety of conditions, ranging from the common cold to infections, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol and swelling, which could reduce the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke.
- Cayenne: It helps keep the blood flowing. Capsaicin, a compound in cayenne that may help lower blood pressure, increases blood flow.
- Turmeric: Curcumin, what gives this spice its yellow color, may help lower bad cholesterol, reduce inflammation and help prevent blood clots.
- Ginger: This cooking staple can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, keep blood vessels open, and stop the hardening of arteries.
- Coriander: (cilantro in the U.S.) acts as a diuretic (a substance that flushes extra fluids and sodium from your body) and can help keep your blood pressure down.
These herbs along with a healthy diet can help reduce risk factors for heart attack.
