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Whole foods for a Healthy Heart
Feb 10 2010 Whole Foods for a Healthy Heart! What are some of the top foods and nutrients to include in your daily meals to support the functioning of a healthy cardiovascular system? Use this checklist for meal planning, along with the FREE Menu Planner download available on the FORMS page @ www.anaturalchef.com 1. Foods rich in Vitamin C and flavanoids- Vitamin C helps to strengthen and protect the inner lining of the blood vessels and regulate high blood pressure.
2. High fiber foods- including foods that are high in dietary fiber, preferably whole, unprocessed foods have been shown in some studies to help in lowering cholesterol levels. Best choices include:
3. Essential Fatty acids- (particularly omega 3 –fatty acids), - helps to reduce inflammation of blood vessels and hardening of arteries.
4. Potassium rich foods- essential for electrolyte balance. Potassium works as a diuretic to eliminate excess dietary sodium and keep sodium in balance.
5. Calcium & magnesium- assists in proper functioning of the cardiac muscle & promotes normalization of blood pressure.
6. Garlic & Onions- powerful cardiovascular foods that help lower blood pressure, rich in Vitamin C, selenium, B vitamins, sulphur compounds and more. Garlic is best when eaten Raw.
Resources: Nutrition Almanac by Gayla J. Kirschmann and John D. Kirschmann, Food & Healing, by AnneMarie Colbin, Food Bible by Gillian McKeith |
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