Some fruits are great for making the skin look young and beautiful. Others are superb strengtheners of the immune system. Then there are also those that are very good at combating all sorts of digestive issues. And some are revered for their ability to protect the joints from becoming painful and stiff.
Are you aware that some fruits are known as phenomenal protectors of the heart?
So if you are at high risk of problems concerning the heart or you just want to make sure that your ticker is constantly out of harm’s way, keep on reading this article. Below you will come across some fruits that are best for the heart.
Share this article afterwards to get your health-conscious family and friends introduced to them, too!
Apples
Loads of antioxidants in apples help prevent cholesterol to adhere to the inner wall of the arteries, thus saving the arteries from hardening and the blood pressure from increasing. As a result, the regular consumption of apples can help considerably lower your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
When shopping for apples, opt for those with shiny and bruise-free skin. Consider going for Gala and Fuji apples as they tend to last longer than other varieties out there.
Bananas
Everyone knows that bananas are excellent sources of potassium, and the said mineral is perfect in the fight against heart disease due to a couple of amazing things.
First, potassium in bananas helps lower the blood pressure — high blood pressure is considered as a risk factor for heart disease. Second, the mineral helps maintain regular heart rhythm. According to heart specialists, irregular heart rhythms or arrhythmias can increase the likelihood of blood clot formation, which can cause heart attack and stroke.
Apricots
What’s so nice about apricots is they’re rich in vitamins A, C and E, all of which are antioxidants that can help in shielding the ticker and the rest of the cardiovascular system from harm.
Fret not if apricots are not in season because it’s not just fresh ones that are so good for your heart, but also dried ones. If you want to opt for canned apricots, just make sure that you ditch the syrup as it’s loaded with sugar — sugar is bad not only for the waistline, but your heart, too.
Oranges
Making oranges ideal for safeguarding the entire cardiovascular system is the fact that it’s a superb source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect the arteries from being clogged as well as damaged.
Aside from oranges, go ahead and regularly include other types of citrus fruits in your diet, from lemons to grapefruits. Oranges and other citrus fruits can be consumed as they are or in juice form. Unfortunately, you might want to go easy on them if you have acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Papayas
If you’re on the hunt for something that can take the place of citrus fruits because of your acid reflux or GERD, you can reach for some papayas. Just like oranges and the rest of the gang, these tropical fruits are loaded with artery-protecting vitamin C. Plus they also have anti-inflammatory properties that help take good care of your heart.
Unfortunately, papayas tend to ripen really quickly. As soon as you arrive from the grocery store or farmers’ market, stash them in the fridge right away and try to consume within 2 days.
Berries
Just about any berry that pops into your mind is great for your heart — blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc. All berries are excellent sources of antioxidants and potassium, and also dietary fiber that sweeps excess cholesterol out of the body.
Feel free to place a bag of frozen berries in your shopping cart. According to experts, frozen berries are just as good for your body, most especially your heart, as freshly-harvested ones.
