Tea
Tea houses various plant compounds renowned for enhancing heart health. While green tea receives significant attention, black and white tea share similar beneficial properties. Catechins found in tea activate nitric oxide production, vital for maintaining healthy blood pressure, while also inhibiting cholesterol synthesis and absorption, thereby preventing blood clot formation.
Quercetin, another essential compound present in tea, aids in improving blood vessel function and reducing inflammation. While most studies associate tea consumption with lowered total and “bad” LDL cholesterol, research outcomes regarding its effects on “good” HDL cholesterol and blood pressure remain varied.
These foods not only aid in cholesterol regulation but also offer an array of nutrients and antioxidants, thereby fortifying the cardiovascular system and reducing the risk of heart disease and associated complications. Integrating these heart-healthy foods into daily meals is a proactive step towards nurturing a healthier heart and overall well-being.
Reference:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24710915
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20458092
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27301975
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4330060/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27338865
[6] http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711315003359
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21559039
