6 top foods to improve heart health and how to consume them

A healthy heart is a sign of a healthy body. And according to Dimple Jangda, a wellness and nutrition expert, including heart-strengthening herbs such as arjuna, garlic, and guggulu in a daily diet helps maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels and helps keep the heart healthy naturally. In a recent post on Instagram, she explained six top foods that can help improve heart health. The caption of her post reads, "A daily routine that includes yoga, meditation, and herbal teas with tulsi or cinnamon adds extra support for your cardiovascular system. Remember, balance is key—choose foods and activities that suit your dosha for best results." Scroll down to read the details and also learn the art of consuming these foods.

It is a premium Ayurvedic herb that helps in strengthening your heart muscles and your heart walls. This helps in reducing cholesterol and improving your overall immunity and thus reducing inflammation.
How to consume: Boil 1 tsp powder of Arjuna bark in 2 cups of water. Reduce it to hald, strain, and drink warm with a topping of honey and lemon juice (optional)

Dimple suggests adding green and red vegetables in daily diet. Green veggies like spinach are a rich source of magnesium, iron, and antioxidants, which help in strengthening the heart health and reducing any kind of stress in the body. You can also consume beetroot, which is a rich source of nitrates and improves blood circulation and cardiovascular health. As per Dimple, you can also have lauki or green gourd, which are light , hydrating, easy to digest, good for your gut health and for your heart health.
How to consume: Once can simply make stir-fried veggies seasoned with salt and pepper and enjoy as a side dish. Leafy ones like spinach can be pureed and used in dough to make flatbread or one can make dishes like palak paneer. Lauki can be consumed as kheer, halwa, or kofta, which offers taste and nutrition both.

Apples are a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, great for your heart health and gut as well. Pomegranates are also a rich source of antioxidants. They reduce inflammation in the body and support blood circulation, informs Dimple.
How to consume: While the best way to enjoy fruits is to have them raw, one can also make salads, smoothies or desserts. Pomegranate seeds can be topped on dishes like curd rice, poha, or upma for colour and nutrition.

You can also have amla also known as Indian gooseberry. It is a rich source of vitamin C, antioxidants, reduces inflammation and improves overall heart health.
How to consume: Have them raw with a pinch of black salt or one can also juice and have it on an empty stomach.

Start adding almond and flax seeds to your diet, suggests Dimple. Former is a great source of vitamin E, magnesium , which helps in reducing any kind of stress in the heart and anxiety. This helps in supporting your immunity and your metabolism. And the latter is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid.
How to consume: Almonds are best consumed when soaked and peeled. One can also dry roast them and enjoy as an evening snack or can add to smoothies or shakes.

This tea helps in reducing cholesterol, improving liver health and thus cardiovascular health, states Dimple.
How to consume: Boil 2 cups of water, add1 tbsp dried hibiscus petals and a pinch of cinnamon powder. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Strain and serve hot.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article—is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.