Have you seen the numerous TV commercials on cooking oils? One thing that’s common that all this is that they talk about heart’s health. Majority of the population today is suffering from heart diseases. It has become so common that every one of us surely knows somebody with this ailment. But don’t be worried as your heart can be kept healthy and happy with many remedies that can get practiced at home. Read on ahead to find out how to prevent heart disease right in your home.
Heart disease refers to the malfunction of the heart in pumping blood throughout the body. There are different types of heart diseases depending upon the part of the organ affected. The most common is coronary heart disease which develops due to the hardening of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart.
It is also known as atherosclerotic heart disease. It usually occurs due to an unhealthy diet and obesity in contrast to congenital heart disease which develops due to congenital disabilities. It may involve conditions such as holes in the wall of the heart or pulmonary stenosis. Damage to heart muscles and valves causes rheumatic heart disease which is accompanied by scarlet fever and infection, but it can get treated with antibiotics. Pulmonary heart disease occurs due to an increased size of the right ventricle.
Obesity and heart disease are often correlated which leads to the accumulation of cholesterol in the lining of coronary arteries and formation of plaque. When plaque deposition reaches beyond 50%, it hinders the blood flow and supply of oxygen to the heart which may lead to angina. So, you must know the remedies as to prevent heart disease.
The causes of developing heart disease can be widespread, some of which are as below:
Heart disease symptoms(1) may include any one or a combination of the following:
Pomegranates have a high content of antioxidant and help keep a check on the blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It is also beneficial in congestive heart disease.
It helps prevent the formation of plaques and clogging of arteries and blood vessels. It helps control blood pressure, blood circulation and maintains a healthy heart.
Other foods to include in heart disease diet
Fiber may be available in the soluble form or the insoluble form regarding vegetables and fruits. Bananas are a rich source of insoluble fiber. You can eat the vegetables after they get thoroughly cooked with less spice and use of oil. Daily consumption of one bowl of green vegetable would show you how to prevent heart disease.
The insoluble fiber can lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and prevent deposition of bad cholesterol. It also raises the levels of HDL. Insoluble fiber helps in bowel movement and prevents indigestion.
Bitter Foods that you should have to prevent heart disease:
These bitter tasting food help in cleaning the blood circulation and helps you to stay calm and releases stress and anxiety. Broccoli helps in keeping a clean gut and healthy body which enhances the functioning of the heart and oxygen circulation.
Spinach has a high content of lutein, folate, potassium, and fiber which provides the required boost to your heart. The potassium and fiber content of kale also helps reduce heart disease. Watercress is a source of antioxidants and minerals which helps prevent reactive oxygen species in blood and relieves the symptoms of stress.
They avoid the formation of blood clots and help in maintaining smooth blood circulation. Garlic has a high content of Vitamin B6, magnesium, selenium and allicin which are key active constituents in the prevention of heart disease. Onions are particularly useful in removing LDL and increasing the levels of HDL in the body. The active ingredients of leeks are again Vitamin B6, magnesium and fiber which are all excellent supplements for the proper functioning of the heart. Horseradish has a high content of glucosinolates which protect against infections and prevents blood clotting. Nasturtium leaves have a high content of Vitamin C and flavonoids which prevent oxidative damage due to stress and protect the heart muscles. Pungent food will help you to know how to prevent heart disease.
Beneficial fruits to prevent heart disease include:
These are rich in fiber and help to avoid stress and heart disease ensuring a healthy heart. The high amount of polyphenol content in the fruits such as grapes helps prevent heart disease and strokes. They protect the integrity of capillary walls and heart muscle. Potassium and fiber content can also get enriched with the consumption of kiwi fruit which gives you a healthy heart. Blueberries have active ingredients which help widen the capillaries and blood vessels and enhance blood circulation. Bananas have a high content of fiber and peaches and plums help get rid of diabetes and lousy cholesterol improving heart health. These benefits will further fortify your belief to prevent heart disease.
Food having omega-3-fatty acid to prevent heart disease:
These help in preventing the formation of a clot in the arteries and blood vessels of the heart and ensures a smooth blood circulation. Seaweed and flax seeds are also high in their content of fiber which provides an added advantage to the prevention of heart disease.
Strictly avoid these foods due to its high trans fat content.
Herbs are nature’s wonder and provide a natural remedy to determine how to prevent heart disease symptoms. Herbal products are available in the form of capsules, powder or tinctures and can be purchased from retail stores easily. Here are some of the herbs which can help you prevent heart disease.
Ginger root can also be consumed in the form of powder, oil or juice or even added to tea and food supplements. It helps fight other symptoms of heart disease such as nausea and anxiety.
How to use?
It helps in the dilation of blood vessels and enhancing blood circulation. It is a great stress buster and used as a stimulant. It prevents clot formation and lowers levels of LDL. It also finds its use as an anti-inflammatory compound and can be used as a blood thinner.
Holy basil is the best-known home remedy to overcome some stress-related diseases and has found its place in Ayurveda since ages.
It lowers the blood pressure and helps you cope with stress-related diseases. It helps reduce blood sugar levels and increases the sensitivity and production of insulin. It is rich in flavonoids which help fight oxidative damage and prevent heart attacks.
It is also rich in eugenol content and aids in deep breathing, clears the clogs of the circulatory system. It helps in enhancing oxygen transport and is used for its more extensive range of health benefits. It is a one-stop answer if someone asks you for a home remedy as to prevent heart disease.
Other natural herbs and their benefits:
[Read: Health Benefits of Motherwort]
Use herbs after consulting a physician or a doctor as they will guide you with the right dosage.
Juniper essential oil has been in use since ancient times in the form of a therapeutic oil. It works wonders for keeping a great heart’s health.
Juniper oil has strong detoxifying properties that help to enhance the blood circulation in the body. It acts as yang energy for the heart that aids to overcome the physical heart problems and helps to alleviate physical stagnation.
Precautions
Use only those oils that suit your skin. Do not use it as it is but it is to get blended with a carrier oil. Take a patch test at the back of the hand to check its sensitivity.
Specific home remedies may relieve heart pain and help you to enhance your knowledge on how to prevent heart disease or attacks.
[Read: Signs Look like Heart Attack]
You can purchase virgin olive oil from commercial stores and used as cooking oil for its huge benefits and effects.
It is rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids which help in reducing the levels of LDL and maintaining a smooth flow of blood circulation. It is used as an anti-inflammatory which can prevent strokes, has a high content of antioxidant and is effective against atherosclerosis. It helps prevent heart attack and relieve signs of heart disease. It is effective against the removal of plaques andprevents the narrowing of blood vessels andcapillaries.
If you have a susceptible skin, check before using olive oil.
It prevents the development of atherosclerosis and lowers the LDL levels, controls blood sugar and prevents thickening of heart muscle.
Keep it away from eyes and also do not inhale it as its strong aroma might cause adverse effects after coming in contact with both.
Apart from the wide variety of vegetables and fruits, there are some natural supplements which may be included in your diet to prevent heart disease.
Fish oil can prevent heart disease and has been long known to help in the prevention of strokes and heart attacks. It can get used as a remedy for stress and heart disease.
Fish oil is extracted and packaged in the form of small yellowish capsules as cod liver oil which may be prescribed and easily purchased from medical stores.
It has a high content of EPA and DHA (omega- 3-fatty acids) which help in lowering of LDL or bad cholesterol levels such that they do not deposit in the walls of the arteries. It improves blood circulation and keeps the blood pressure under check. Preventing atherosclerosis is the prime requirement to know how to prevent heart disease.
[Read: Unclog Arteries with Five Natural Methods]