"You are heartless!" We say to the man or woman who left us without a reason. But thinking about it, without a heart, you can't live. Literally.
It is the heart that guarantees life to our body cells at all times .
We must take special care of it: heart as muscle and heart as feelings . Because they are not so disconnected, but this is another matter.
Does a good, healthy diet help the heart and the cardiovascular system? Yes, here are 10 tasty examples.
10 foods for the health of the cardiovascular system
Can you have your health "at heart" even at the table? Indeed, indeed, it is there that the first prevention is found.
The cardiovascular system is composed of the heart and the whole system of blood vessels that circulate the blood. Vitamins, minerals and fiber - from fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains - are a panacea for our cardiovascular system, but above all a diet that is generally poor in saturated fats, which in the long run risk "lining" the blood vessels (technically it is called atherosclerosis ), with deleterious consequences for the health of the organism. We always prefer fresh, whole and steamed products.
In detail, the "top 10".
1. Blueberries
Blueberries : colorful good ones, also appreciated by children, their color is due to the presence of molecules called anthocyanosides, which strengthen the structure of blood vessels and improve the elasticity of the walls. They are excellent for vision and microcirculation problems (capillaries). Try the pure juice too, it is very good and very healthy ;
2. Grapes
Grapes : contains, like blueberries, a good percentage of anthocyanosides, but it is very rich especially in flavonoids, antioxidant molecules useful for the elimination of free radicals that attack and damage the cells of our body, primarily those of the walls of blood vessels ;
3. Avocado
Avocado : it is rich in monounsaturated fats, which help to keep the level of fat in the blood and on the walls of the vessels low;
4. Citrus fruits and avocado
Citrus fruits and peppers : very rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, antioxidant elements that tone blood vessels and contribute to the elimination of free radicals;
5. Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin seeds, and the related oil : they contain a lot of vitamin E, which helps prevent the formation of blood clots, keeping the blood flow free and flowing;
Discover also the 10 best foods for the immune system
6. Omega 3
Omega3 contained above all in salmon and walnuts : they are the main "good fats" with a high anti-inflammatory power, anti-free radicals, which protect the cardiovascular system and tone it up, but also make our health in general stronger and our health more beautiful skin;
7. Garlic
Garlic : it does not smell the breath, but it is good for the heart. It has antibiotic and hypotensive power, which helps to lower blood pressure and prevent the formation of clots, making the blood circulation more fluid and "smooth";
8. Ginger
Ginger: a little known spice but excellent as a support for the health of many organs. It is in fact a tonic that "warms up" by stimulating circulation;
9. Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper : like ginger, it is a strongly warming and invigorating spice, stimulates and helps improve circulation, especially at the hands and feet;
10. Chocolate
Chocolate : here is finally the good news! Chocolate - we are talking about dark chocolate with at least 75% cocoa - contains flavonoids, antioxidant molecules abundant in grapes, and caffeine in a non-excessive quantity, which acts as a stimulant.
The cardiovascular system: what and how
What it is : the cardiovascular system consists of the motor organ of everything, the heart, and the network of veins, arteries, capillaries, or blood vessels.
What it does : the cardio-circulatory system brings vital substances (oxygen and nutrients) to the tissues and brings back the "rubbish" or the waste products of cellular metabolism, towards the liver and lungs, which provide "cleansing".
How : the heart is a muscle that contracts rhythmically, with an autonomous and precise rhythm (the magic of life begins here). Thanks to the pressure imposed by the heartbeat, the blood circulates with a "direct" push in the arteries - which carry it from the heart to the body cells - while the opposite passage takes place thanks to the force that remains from the initial cardiac thrust, and thanks to the movement of the legs and the thrust of the soles of the feet, which help the "venous return".
We can understand how good physical activity favors the maintenance of an active circulation and consequently a healthy organism.
