Diet is a cornerstone of heart health, playing a crucial role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Poor dietary habits can significantly contribute to CVDs, but adopting a heart-healthy diet can help lower these risks and support long-term cardiovascular wellness.
In this blog, we’ll explore how diet influences heart health and share some delicious heart-friendly recipes using Flora products to inspire your journey towards better health.
How Diet Impacts Cardiovascular Health
The food you eat directly affects key factors such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body weight, all vital for heart health. Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, sugar, and salt can cause plaque build-up in arteries, increasing the risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes. Conversely, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and maintain healthy blood pressure.
Key Tips for a Heart-Healthy Diet
1. Prioritise Plant-Based Foods
Plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains are rich in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants that support heart health.
- Eat a Variety of Vegetables: Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are high in potassium, while tomatoes and carrots provide antioxidants.
- Include Whole Grains and Legumes: Brown rice, barley, lentils, and beans are excellent for stabilising blood sugar and reducing cholesterol.
Recipe Idea: Tasty Zucchini Muffins
These zucchini muffins are packed with fibre and nutrients and make for a delightful, heart-friendly snack. Made with Flora Regular, they are lighter in calories while providing a smooth and creamy texture.
2. Incorporate Healthy Fats
Healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, are essential for lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and boosting good cholesterol (HDL).
Recipe Idea: Greek Wholegrain Pasta Salad
This refreshing salad combines heart-friendly whole grains with Mediterranean flavours. Flora Product enhances the dish with monounsaturated fats, supporting healthy cholesterol levels and adding a rich flavour.
3. Limit Added Sugars
Recipe Idea: Flora Caramelised Onion and Rocket Gorgonzola Pizza
This indulgent pizza balances rich flavours with a heart-conscious twist. Made with Flora Gold, the crust is light , perfectly complementing the sweet caramelised onions and peppery rocket.
Supporting Heart Health with Flora
A heart-healthy diet doesn’t mean compromising on flavour. Flora’s range of products, including Flora Light, Flora Gold, and Flora Regular, makes creating nutritious and delicious meals that support cardiovascular wellness easy.
Small changes in your daily meals can bring big benefits for your heart. Explore more recipes and products from Flora to make heart-healthy eating an effortless part of your routine.
Seasonal Ingredients
The best ingredients to eat
Take a look at the best ingredients to eat throughout the year
