"Really, there's always something new every time you come to the park." Zhang Tingting was panting and wiping her sweat, she had just finished playing an intense game of badminton in the park.
As a history teacher in junior high school, Zhang Tingting is always surrounded by ancient history, so she especially cherishes the opportunity of this outdoor activity, which can not only exercise but also relax.
During the break, Zhang Tingting casually found a bench to sit down, and next to her were two aunts enthusiastically discussing the benefits of various healthy foods. "Did you know that cucumbers are not only cool and thirst-quenching, but they can also help reduce the risk of heart disease?"
Zhang Tingting was just listening casually, but suddenly remembered that her father's heart was not good recently, and the doctor suggested paying more attention to diet and exercise. So she decided to take her father to the hospital for a physical examination today and ask the doctor this question by the way.
At the hospital, Zhang Tingting's father underwent a series of tests, and she found the cardiologist in charge. "Doctor, I've heard that eating cucumbers can help with heart health, is that true?" Zhang Tingting asked curiously.
The doctor smiled and nodded, and began to explain: "Cucumbers do have some benefits for the heart. It is mainly due to the high amount of potassium and magnesium, two minerals that are very important for maintaining the normal rhythm of the heart. Cucumbers also contain some naturally occurring compounds that can help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. ”
Zhang Tingting was very excited when she heard this, which was good news for her and her father. She decided to start adding more cucumbers to their diet when she returned home, hoping to have some positive effects on her father's heart health.
When it comes to heart health, in addition to the well-known cucumber, there are several other vegetables that play an integral role in the daily diet. Tomatoes, spinach and celery, for example, are vegetables that make a special contribution to heart health.
First, let's talk about tomatoes. Tomatoes aren't just loved for their bright color, they also contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene.
Lycopene helps reduce the risk of heart attack because it can help lower the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and stop them from forming plaque on the artery walls. Then there's spinach, a leafy green that's a heart-healthy superhero.
Spinach is rich in folate, a B vitamin that is particularly good for the heart and helps control levels of homocysteine, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Spinach is high in potassium and magnesium, which help normalize blood pressure, while its rich antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, protect the heart from free radical damage. Finally, let's talk about celery. Although celery may seem ordinary, it contains a special chemical component called apigenin, which has shown the potential to lower blood pressure in studies.
Renanine relaxes the tissues of the surrounding blood vessels, which in turn helps blood flow more smoothly, which is very beneficial for preventing high blood pressure and heart disease. Celery is also a low-calorie food and is rich in water and fiber, which makes it ideal for maintaining a good weight and reducing the risk of heart disease.
In addition to the direct nutritional contribution, the anti-inflammatory properties of these vegetables are also crucial. There is a strong link between heart disease and inflammation, and a long-term low-grade inflammatory state is thought to be one of the factors contributing to the development of heart disease.
By consuming foods that are high in anti-inflammatory foods, such as the vegetables mentioned above, you can help reduce this inflammatory response and protect the heart from damage. The first practical advice for eating these vegetables is to try to choose fresh and organic options, as this minimizes the intake of pesticides and chemical additives, which can have a negative impact on heart health.
Secondly, try to eat it by steaming or eating it raw, which can retain more nutrients. For example, steamed spinach and tomatoes can be served as part of a salad, while celery can be served as a healthy snack or added to soups for flavor.
A balanced inclusion of these vegetables in your daily diet not only provides your body with essential nutrients, but it is also effective in supporting heart health. For example, you can add protein from tomatoes and spinach for breakfast, a celery-based soup for lunch, and a rich salad with a mix of three vegetables for dinner.
The positive effects of such a diet, on heart health, in the long run, cannot be overlooked.
Source: Healthy Gastronomy