Food for Heart Health

Fish

The EPA and DHA is fish protect your heart by making the platelets less sticky and by reducing inflammation.  If you eat fish three times per week you are getting the benefits of the fish oil.  If you aren't consuming fish regularly you might want to supplement your diet with a pharmaceutical grade fish oil.

Garlic

Add to your fish a couple of cloves of garlic and you have a powerful dish for protecting your heart.  High doses of garlic have been shown to significantly reduce blood pressure and regular consumption can lower cholesterol and triglycerides.  The suggestion for cardio protection is between four and six cloves per day.

Cayenne Pepper

Capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers, (what makes them burn your tongue!) has been found to have some anticoagulant properties.  I have also heard an old wives tale that if you sprinkle it in your shoes it can help improve circulation.  Let me know if you try it and it works!

Green Tea

Some studies suggest that Green Tea, as little as one cup a day, can help protect against damage from cholesterol and help prevent blood clots.

Hawthorne Berry

The extract from hawthorne berries has been found to help calm palpitations, improve blood vessel elasticity, help dilate coronary arteries and reduce blood pressure. Pretty impressive for a little berry!  If you are taking the extract please speak with your naturopathic physician for proper dosage.