Your heart is an untiring pump, which thrusts you in the forward motion each day. So, it is quite necessary that it should get the best fuel possible. But with so much conflicting info bombarded on us today in the social media generation, knowing what is right to eat for optimal heart health can be a herculean task. Let us discuss some genuine details about diet and heart health for you to make better dietary choices.
Diet and Heart Health A Match Made in Heaven!
Diet and heart health go hand-in-hand but that does not mean you need to starve yourself. A heart-healthy diet is absolutely not about deprivation. Rather, it is about enjoying yummy yet nutritious meals. Things to note here are as follows:
- Fill Your Plate with Fruits & Vegetables: Fruits & veggies are packed with minerals, vitamins, & fibre. These powerful foods make your heart happy.
- Whole Grains for a Wholesome Meal: Choose brown rice over white rice. Also eat quinoa and whole-grain breads to maintain your energy levels. This will also help in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels as well.
- Lean Protein Makes You Lean: Fish, chicken, lentils, & beans provide important building blocks and ensure your stomach feels full.
- Focus on Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, & olive oil tend to provide healthy fats. These fats help to promote good cholesterol. They also fight inflammation.
Let’s Cook: 2 Easy Recipes That Are Good for Your Heart
You can go ahead with your dieting and turn your healthy food choices into delicious meals! These recipes aren’t just heart-healthy, they’re also full of flavors. enjoy!
1st Recipe: Lentil Soup with Whole Wheat Bread
This hearty soup is rich in protein & fibre for a filling, heart-healthy meal.
- Sauté onions, carrots, & celery. Use olive oil. Sauté until they are soft.
- Now, add some garlic.
- Cook for another 1 minute.
- Add lentils, broth, tomatoes, & thyme. Mix them well.
- Bring to a boil.
- Then, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
- You can season it with salt & pepper.
- Serve hot with whole wheat bread for dipping.
2nd Recipe: Tawa Palak Paneer (Spiced Spinach & Cottage Cheese)
This vibrant dish is a classic and for a reason! It’s rich in protein, fibre, & antioxidants.
- Start by adding ginger-garlic paste.
- Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Then, add chopped tomatoes.
- Stir, and cook until they soften & release their juices.
- Then, add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder (if you are using it) and garam masala.
- Fry for another 1 minute.
- After that, add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season with salt & pepper.
- Carefully mix in the cubed paneer cheese and heat for half a minute.
Tips
- To make your dish vegan, simply replace paneer with tofu.
- This dish is served with brown rice or whole wheat rotis for a complete & balanced meal.
Meet Dr. Arun Hari in Abu Dhabi for Tricky Heart Situations
Are you looking for world-class cardiac care in Abu Dhabi? Then, contact Dr. Arun Hari. He currently provides specialized medical services at L L H Hospital in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi. He works here as a specialist in cardiology. With his unparalleled expertise, Dr. Arun Hari brings a wealth of experience to the cardiac cases he handles. His career in cardiology began some years ago. This tenure was marked by his notable stints in prestigious institutions including B S Hospital in Ooty & Aster MIMS in Kottakkal. These formative experiences honed his skills and made him an expert in treating multiple heart conditions. If you are in Abu Dhabi and looking for a cardiologist who puts both competence & patient health first, then Dr. Arun Hari can be your ultimate choice!
