Heart disease is one of the most common causes of poor health in matured adults, therefore they must keep their hearts as healthy as possible. Our loved ones can improve their heart condition by eating heart healthy foods, in addition to exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight. Preparing meals and monitoring their loved ones’ diets are just a couple of the many responsibilities of family caregivers, who must also be sure to take care of themselves.
At Rittenhouse Village At Northside, we can assist you if you need additional help providing high-quality care for your loved one. We are a leading community care provider, dedicated to transforming the way loved ones get the most out of life. A family caregiver’s job can be challenging when it comes to managing all aspects of a loved one’s health, including diet. To keep your family member’s heart in top shape, incorporate these seven foods into his or her meals.
Almonds
When it comes to nutrient-rich snacks, there are not many foods that can compete with almonds. Studies have shown that a healthy consumption of Vitamin E can help lower bad cholesterol and almonds are rich in Vitamin E. When buying almonds, look for the ones that don’t have any added ingredients, like sugar or salt.
Legumes
Consuming adequate fiber is one of the most effective strategies in protecting the heart. It aids our family members in maintaining a healthy weight and digestive system, as well as lowering dangerous LDL cholesterol levels. Since most peas and beans have a protective covering, they are a good source of fiber. Black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, and lentils are good examples of legumes.
Oatmeal
There are several reasons why our loved ones should eat a few servings of oatmeal each week. One reason is that it has a lot of soluble fiber, which helps to eliminate bad cholesterol from the arteries. Oatmeal works like a sponge, soaking up the waxy cholesterol molecules.
Bananas
A good source of potassium, bananas help to keep your heart healthy. Potassium aids in the body’s water balance and inhibits the thickening of blood that leads to high blood pressure. To maximize the health advantages of bananas, make sure your loved one drinks at least eight cups of water every day.
Raspberries
Antioxidants, manganese and Vitamin C are abundant in these high-fiber berries. The high levels of antioxidants in raspberries have a protective impact, preventing the body from being damaged by oxidative stress.
Whole Grain Toast with Almond Butter
Regularly eating whole grains can reduce the risk of many different health complications, including coronary artery disease and heart failure. Adding a little almond butter to whole-grain toast boosts protein intake and can help our loved ones feel fuller for longer stretches, making it a great snack for those who are trying to shed some pounds. There’s also the option of adding fresh fruits to whole-grain toast to make it naturally sweeter.
Fish
Having fish as part of a simple meal is also excellent for your loved ones heart health. Fish such as salmon, lake trout, mackerel, herring, sardines and tuna have some of the highest levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. These naturally occurring fatty acids can help lower triglycerides, blood pressure and blood coagulation, reducing the risk of stroke and heart failure.
