Sadly, this article doesn’t talk about how to treat a broken heart with veggies, but rather about which vegetables you should consume daily, or at least regularly, in order to significantly reduce your risks of heart disease. Here are some of them:
- Watermelon
Watermelon is not only a tasty way to cool yourself down during the summer, it is also a healthy source of lycopene. This antioxidant is responsible for giving it, as well as tomatoes, their red color. Lycopene is proven to be more effective in preventing heart disease than carotenoids, including beta-carotene, and it also significantly decreased risks of other cardiovascular disorders.
- Sauerkraut
Fiber and healthy bacteria from traditionally made sauerkraut not only benefit out digestive system, but they also protect our heart in multiple ways. Probiotics from sauerkraut reduce inflammation and improve our blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels as well.
Bacteria from sauerkraut also activate antioxidants in our body that control cellular oxidation, and help with detoxifying our entire body. You can make sauerkraut easily at home, and here’s how:
You will need:
- 1 whole, shredded green cabbage1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger2 grated carrotsSome celery juiceA starter culture
Mix the shredded veggies in a ceramic pot or a glass container. Add the starter culture to celery juice, then add to the veggies. Using a masher, mash the mixture in order to eliminate air and release juice. Transfer into jars. Put a cabbage leaf on top of the mixture, tucking it down the sides. Put a lid on the jar, but don’t tighten it, as carbon dioxide needs to escape from the jar. Store the jars in a cooler for 5 to 7 days, then transfer to the fridge and consume as you feel like it.
- Magnesium rich veggies
Most of the world’s population is magnesium deficient, without even realizing it. This mineral is essential to heart health; as more than 300 enzymes require it to make our entire body function properly. One of the most effective, natural way of introducing more magnesium into your diet is by juicing greens. Some of the green veggies richest in magnesium are:
- Collard greensBeet greensSpinachBroccoliKaleBok choyRomaine lettuceSwiss chard
In case you’re not a fan of vegetable-based juices, do not hesitate, as there are some tasty solutions for you:
Avocado:healthy fats and vitamins, combined with 58mg of magnesium per medium-sized avocado should be more than plenty to protect your heart.
Fatty fish: wild caught Alaskan salmon and mackerel contain 53mg of magnesium, in just half a fillet. Having two every other day is suggested.
Squash: a cup of winter squash has 27mg of magnesium, making it a great addition to your heart-protecting diet.
- Nitrate rich veggies
Nitrate is another important element when it comes to supporting proper heart function, in the long run. It is a powerful vasodilator, meaning it helps relax and widen our blood vessels, therefore improving the blood flow. For this reason, foods rich in nitrate are not recommended for those suffering from low blood pressure. Veggies and herbs that contain nitrate are:
- CilantroBasilBeet greensSwiss chardArugulaRhubarb
Source: https://articles.mercola.com
