Have high cholesterol and worry about having a high risk of heart attack or stroke? Apart from taking medication from a doctor, you should also eat healthy foods and natural plants that can improve heart health.
The most important thing is to choose foods that can help protect heart health and clear harmful substances that can clog arteries. Here are some types of herbal plants that, although rarely known, have proven to be effective in protecting heart health, as reported by the Daily Health Post (23/04).
1. Garlic
Garlic is the most popular herb for maintaining heart health. So far, garlic is known for its many health benefits. Doctors in the past even used garlic to treat various types of ailments.
Research published in the American Journal of Clinical nutrition also reveals that people who eat a lot of garlic experience reduced blood pressure, bad cholesterol levels and a healthier heart.
2. Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper is not only known as the hot peppery chilli, but it is also known to have been used medicinally by Native Americans since 9,000 years ago. Cayenne pepper is also known as an important plant that can relieve inflammation.
Research from the University of Maryland Medical Center also reveals that the anti-inflammatory substances present in cayenne pepper are effective for improving the health of the heart and blood vessels because they make them dilate and prevent blockages in the arteries.
3. Cocoa
Cocoa or chocolate pods contain anti-inflammatory substances called flavanols which are great for heart protection. But do not rush to eat chocolate that is sold in the market because the chocolate is processed and contains a lot of fat and sugar. Consume cocoa in its original form, whether it is a powder or otherwise, to lower blood pressure and protect heart health.
4. Hawthorn plant extract
Hawthorn plants are not yet popular in Indonesia, but plant extracts, from trees, leaves, to Hawthorn fruit are known to have many health benefits. For a long time, hawthorn extract has been claimed to cure digestive problems and heart failure.
This is also proven by research published in The American Journal of Medicine which reveals that Hawthorn plant extract is very good for preventing heart problems and the treatment of chronic heart disease.
Those are some herbal plants that can be consumed to protect heart health. Some of them are certainly familiar to you. The above plants can not only prevent heart disease but also make the heart and blood vessels healthier.