The Unexpected Food That Can Help You Prevent Heart Disease
Heart disease is a condition that affects many people around the world. While there are a variety of factors that can contribute to heart disease, one unexpected food that may help prevent it is strawberries. According to a 2019 study review, the anthocyanin and quercetin content of this fruit may lead to a lower risk of heart attacks in people who consume strawberries regularly. Strawberries also have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries (via Medical News Today). Atherosclerosis can lead to heart disease.
Strawberries are also high in many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, manganese, and potassium, which are all important for heart health and overall health (via Healthline). They contain a good amount of fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels, promote a healthy gut, and keep you full after eating. Strawberries have been shown to help regulate blood sugar and may even reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
There are many ways to add strawberries to your diet. This tasty fruit can be eaten raw after being washed thoroughly. Sliced strawberries can be added to oatmeal, yogurt, or cereal, and they can be used in smoothies, jams, pies, and other desserts. No matter how you choose to eat them, adding strawberries to your diet may help improve your heart and your overall health.
What to know about heart disease
Heart disease is a general term for a variety of conditions that affect the heart. Heart disease is often used interchangeably with cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease includes heart disease, as well as other conditions that involve the arteries and veins (via Mayo Clinic). The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become blocked or narrowed. This can lead to a heart attack, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat. Other types of heart disease include arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathies, valve diseases, and aortic aneurysms.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 660,000 people die from heart disease in the United States every year. There are many risk factors for heart disease, including smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and family history (via WebMD). Some of these risk factors can be controlled while others cannot. Treatment for heart disease depends on the type of condition you have. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly may be enough to keep your heart healthy, but in other cases, medication or surgery may be necessary. If you have risk factors for heart disease, it's important to talk to your doctor so that you can make lifestyle changes or get treatment early.