World Heart Day 2016: Six superfoods to power up your heart health!

Zee Media Bureau/Udita Madan

New Delhi: The heart is the most important organ, whose job is to pump blood throughout the body. However, we put the heart through so much everyday.

Unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, use of tobacco etc., can lead to diseases like arrhythmia, heart clogging, high cholesterol and other cardiovascular diseases.

A person diagnosed with any of these is evidently at a higher risk of a heart attack. Heart problems are still very much one of the biggest killers and the dangers of acquiring heart disease loom large over those who hold an unhealthy lifestyle close to their heart.

It is probably for this reason that the World Health Organisation (WHO) founded World Heart Day in the year 2000 – to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading causes of death, claiming 17.3 million lives each year. It is celebrated on September 29th every year.

This year's theme for World Heart Day being 'Power Your Life', we give you a list of six superfoods that will actually power your heart, because what you eat in your daily life has a direct impact on your heart.

Have a look!

1. Salmon:

Salmon and other fatty fish such as sardines and mackerel are excellent for the heart. The huge amounts of omega-3 fatty acids that they contain, help maintain heart health, by lowering the risk of arrhythmia (irregular heart beat), atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the arteries) and decrease triglycerides.

2. Oatmeal:

Research has shown that fiber is indeed good for heart health and oatmeal is high in soluble fiber, which can lower cholesterol. However, avoid instant oatmeal, which often contains sugar, and instead, go for old-fashioned or even quick-cooking oats.

3. Dark chocolate:

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Several studies have shown that dark chocolate may benefit your heart. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids called polyphenols, which may help blood pressure, clotting, and inflammation. However, this only applies to chocolates made up of at least 60-70% cocoa.

4. Soy:

Soy and soy products like tofu and soy milk are high in protein content and healthy fats and are devoid of cholesterol. They also contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which are good to control high blood pressure and also reduce bad cholesterol.

5. Potatoes:

Potatoes are always considered bad for health, due to the amount of carbohydrates and starch they contain. The truth, however, is that potatoes can be good for your heart as long as you avoid deep-frying them. Rich in potassium and high in fiber, potatoes can help reduce your blood pressure and can also lower the risk of heart disease.

6. Avocado:

Considered fattening, avocados actually contain all the good fats that also help your heart. They're rich in the monounsaturated fats and high in antioxidants and in potassium that may lower heart disease risk factors, such as cholesterol.

Happy World Heart Day!