What is the #1 best food for your heart says a cardiologist?

“A good example of a heart-healthy diet is the DASH diet. The DASH diet promotes eating healthy foods such as whole grains, lean protein, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy . While reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened foods, whole dairy foods, and saturated fats,” explained Dr. Bhusri.

What are the three foods a cardiologist will say to avoid?

That's not to say you can't enjoy these items occasionally as a treat, but they should not be a part of your regular diet. Red meat (including “the other white meat”) ... Bacon, hot dogs, and other processed meats. ... French fries and other fried foods. ... Sugary drinks and cereals. ... Potato chips and snack foods. More items... Feb 1, 2023

What foods flush out bad cholesterol?

Cholesterol-lowering foods 1) Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods . Foods high in soluble fiber help reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Soluble fiber is also found in kidney beans, apples, pears, barley and prunes. 2) Fish and omega-3 fatty acids.

What is the golden drink that lowers cholesterol?

Golden milk, also known as turmeric milk , is a common Indian drink that has recently been gaining popularity in western cultures due to many health claims. It's beautiful bright yellow color is a result of adding turmeric, along with spices such as cinnamon and ginger, to milk.

What are the three foods that heal your heart?

Certain foods, including leafy greens, whole grains, and fatty fish , can benefit your heart health and lower your risk of heart disease.

Why shouldn't you eat blueberries for breakfast?

Blueberries May Cause Digestive Issues While blueberries are generally considered to be a healthy food, they can sometimes cause digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea. If you eat too many blueberries, you may experience stomach pain or cramping.

What are the six super foods that lower cholesterol?

Legumes. Share on Pinterest. ... Avocados. Avocados are a rich source of monounsaturated fats and fiber, two nutrients that help lower LDL and raise HDL cholesterol. ... Nuts. ... Fatty fish. ... Whole grains. ... Fruits and berries. ... Dark chocolate and cocoa. ... Garlic. More items... Dec 19, 2023

What can I drink to flush out my cholesterol?

Cholesterol is often high due to excessive saturated and trans fat consumption. There are certain drinks that can help maintain an ideal cholesterol level. Some of the best drinks for cholesterol management include green tea, pomegranate juice, citrus juice, soy milk, plant-based smoothies, and red wine .

What are 4 foods to avoid in a low cholesterol diet?

High intake of foods containing unhealthy fats (saturated fats and trans fats) – such as fatty meats and deli-style meats, butter, cream, ice cream, coconut oil, palm oil and most deep-fried takeaway foods and commercially baked products (such as pies, biscuits, buns and pastries).

Are bananas good for cholesterol?

The fiber and potassium in bananas can reduce the level of cholesterol and blood pressure. Banana is especially known as a good source of soluble fibre which will gives one a healthy body and good immune system. Grapes get into the bloodstream and carry all the bad cholesterol into the liver where it gets processed.

Are eggs bad for cholesterol?

Answer From Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D. Chicken eggs are an affordable source of protein and other nutrients. They're also naturally high in cholesterol. But the cholesterol in eggs doesn't seem to raise cholesterol levels the way some other foods, such as those high in trans fats and saturated fats, do.

A cardiologist shares the 5 foods she eats to lower cholesterol

As a cardiologist who has treated thousands of patients, one of the most common health concerns I come across is high cholesterol. But the solution doesn't always have to come from a pill, which can have side effects.

The foods we eat play a major role in keeping those cholesterol numbers low. The best part is that you don't have to put tons of restrictions around your diet in order to see positive changes.

Although there is great individual variation to dietary cholesterol, just making a few tiny improvements in your eating habits can yield significant reductions in LDL cholesterol — or the "bad" cholesterol that contributes to fatty buildups in arteries.

Here are five inexpensive foods I eat regularly to help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy:

1. Oatmeal and oat bran

Oats contain plenty of fiber, including soluble fiber that reduces the absorption of cholesterol in your digestive system. Fiber in general is also helpful for avoiding insulin spikes that can drive up those bad cholesterol levels.

Many Americans don't get enough fiber, despite its many benefits. Increasing your intake by 10 grams per day can lower your risk of a heart attack by 14%, and of dying from heart disease by 27%, one study showed.

2. Almonds

A 2018 study found that almonds can lower LDL cholesterol while maintaining or even increasing HDL cholesterol — or the "good" kind that helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream.

If you're not a fan of almonds, other options that have been shown to improve cholesterol levels include hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, walnuts and pistachios.

3. Chia seeds

Chia seeds supply plenty of essential omega-3 fatty acids. Increasing consumption of these healthy fats by even one gram per day has been associated with a 16% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular issues.

Although omega-3 fatty acids have relatively little effect on LDL, they can help raise HDL cholesterol and help lower triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood.

4. Broccoli

Studies have demonstrated a connection between consuming vegetables and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Broccoli in particular is plentiful in soluble fiber, which does wonders for high cholesterol. Other cholesterol-busting vegetables to consider include spinach, Brussels sprouts and collard greens.

In addition to supplying a multitude of vitamins and antioxidants, eating vegetables regularly has been shown to help lower cholesterol, with higher intakes associated with progressively lower LDL levels.

5. Watermelon

Swap the sugar snacks for some sweet watermelon if you want to lower your cholesterol. Watermelon naturally contains lycopene, which has lipid lowering properties,reducingtotal and LDLcholesterol.

For those who aren't big on watermelon, consider adding apples, grapes, strawberries, citrus fruits or even avocados to your diet. All of these are rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that lowers LDL cholesterol.

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas is a cardiologist and founder of Step One Foods. Trained at Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins, Dr. Klodas has published dozens of scientific articles throughout her career, authored a book for patients, "Slay the Giant: The Power of Prevention in Defeating Heart Disease" and served as founding editor-in-chief of Cardiosmart.org.

Don't miss: