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Cardiology | by BMB | Published on 25/04/2022
For most of us, summers are all about eating our favourite foods and when it comes to that, we cannot simply forget berries. A cult favourite of all fitness lovers, berries are packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants, that have multiple health benefits. However, there is something that most people do not know and we don't want to keep you guessing. Eating berries can do wonders for your heart. Yes, you read that right. Adding berries to your diet can help to significantly improve your cardiovascular health. Let's try to find out more about the same with the help of experts from the best cardiac hospital in Kolkata.
Berries are rich in micronutrients, fiber, and polyphenols like anthocyanins, all of which have been linked with enhanced cardiovascular health. Consumption of certain types of berries such as chokeberries, blueberries, Cranberries, and strawberries can help to improve LDL oxidation, glucose metabolism and dyslipidemia, which can otherwise increase the risks of atherosclerosis. Whether you have existing heart disease or are at a high risk of the same, the best cardiologists suggest that eating berries can benefit you.
Next time you are preparing a fruit salad or smoothie, or want to munch on a healthy snack, try these:
Blueberries - It has been found that eating a handful, or two, of blueberries, can help to alleviate various risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases. If we speak in numbers, consuming 150 grams of blueberries in a day, on regular basis, can help to lower your risks of cardiovascular diseases by almost 15 percent, which is a great deal. Some studies are even shown that a daily intake of blueberries can help to reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes and even help to relieve stiff arteries. This is believed to be due to the anthocyanins, which are responsible for the dark color of the berries. Blueberries have more than 25 varied types of these flavonoids, which is extremely high compared to other kinds of berries. What is more exciting to note is that blueberries not only lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases but also boost your cardiovascular function. So it is a win-win situation for you anyhow. Also, if you have hypertension, blueberries are your go-to food. Eating blueberries do not even require any effort. You don't need to peel or chop them before consumption. Just wash a hand full of berries and pop them in your mouth one by one.
Cranberries - These dark maroon berries are in the spotlight nowadays, owing to their amazing health benefits. Whether it comes to fighting urinary tract infections, improving gut health, or boosting your heart health, cranberries have proved to be a boon. A study published in Food & Function, on 22nd March, this year, clearly suggests that consuming Cranberries can help to enhance flow-mediated dilation (FMD), which indicates an improvement in cardiovascular function. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants which are not only good for your heart but your body as a whole. Drinking a glass or two of cranberry juice every day can help in the effective management of cholesterol as not only helps to decrease the levels of LDL but also increases the levels of HDL. Not only this, eating cranberries is likely to raise the levels of polyphenols and metabolites in your bloodstream which are extremely helpful in preventing clotting which can otherwise result in a stroke. These also help to reduce the levels of blood sugar and lower your susceptibility to various heart diseases.
There are a number of different ways in which you can add these berries to your diet. You can eat them as they are or in dried form, however, make sure that there are no preservatives in them. You can also use them in your juice or smoothies. If you know more about your heart health, or to keep a track of the same, consult the experts from the best hospital in Kolkata today.
