27 Jan Our Top Picks for Heart-Healthy Treats

It’s the season of romance and hearts are a-flutter! There’s never been a better time to think about heart health – that’s why we’ve put together a little list of the best heart-loving foods you can enjoy every day.

Green Tea

A rich source of heart-healthy antioxidants. Studies have shown that those who drink green tea regularly can reduce their risk of heart disease by up to 20%. It’s a great anti-ageing remedy too.

Oats

Oatmeal has a stellar nutritional profile, high in soluble fibre, vitamin B1 and numerous essential minerals. The high fibre content helps to significantly lower cholesterol levels, soaking up bad cholesterol like a sponge and preventing your bloodstream from absorbing it. Start your day with a bowl of organic oats and your heart will feel the benefits.

Blueberries

These little beauties are packed with super-nutrition; blueberries are a great source of vitamin C and fibre, plus they’re full of heart-healthy antioxidants like flavonoids and anthocyanins (which give them their deep blue colour). Eating blueberries regularly can reduce your risk of a heart attack by up to 30%. Strawberries, raspberries and many other berries also have similar benefits.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Replace ordinary cooking oil with pure cold-pressed organic olive oil, and you’ll automatically make your daily diet more heart-healthy. Olive oil is full of monounsaturated fats, which work to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels as well. Olives themselves are also a great source of “good” fats.

Chia Seed

This superfood is packed with omega 3 fatty acids and fibre. Chia seed is a powerful nutritional supplement with a whole host of health benefits, helping to control blood sugar levels and aid weight management as well. Add chia seeds to smoothies, yoghurt or oatmeal for a top-notch nutritional boost.

Dark Chocolate

A sweet treat to make your heart sing – dark chocolate (at least 60-70% cocoa) is full of flavonoids and polyphenols, which help to control blood pressure and protect your heart.

Show your heart (and your taste buds) some love with these wholesome goodies!