Plant Based Cardiovascular Health
Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. There are so many foods and lifestyle habits that contribute to this, but today we are going to focus exclusively on solutions. First and foremost, it must be acknowledged that a whole food plant-based diet is the only diet know to not only treat, but reverse conditions of heart disease. Certain nutrients and compounds found only in plants can regenerate the cardiovascular system in astonishing ways. Changes in our dietary habits in conjunction with daily exercise can do wonders for the body and mind, and we feel it is time for these truths to become common knowledge since we all have the potential to be affected by it.
Exercise
A cardiovascular system that does not see daily increases in rapid blood flow has a greater tendency to allow "sediments" to build up in our bloodstream. A parallel can be drawn between this and the way a river flows at different intensities at different parts in its path. A parallel can also be drawn between build-ups of plack in the arteries and larger rocks jutting up out of the water, obstructing its flow.
Plant Foods For Cardiovascular Strength
Greens
Nitrates are compounds found in leafy greens that can increase your cardiovascular systems blood moving efficiencies. These compounds have been compared to the air being pumped from an air hockey table. When turned on, the puck moves smoothly around, effortlessly. When turned off, things get stuck. When plack gets stuck on the arterial walls, it's easy for it to build up, causing blockages that lead to things like heart attacks, strokes, poor circulation, and erectile dysfunction.
Plant-Based Omega 3's (EPA)
Plant foods high in Omega 3's such as flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds, have the power to decrease triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, and reduce clotting. All of these factors come into play to benefit the cardiovascular system and keep your blood pumping healthfully.
Pomegranate
Some studies have shown pomegranate juice to be capable of effectively removing plack from clogged arteries. It turns out this antioxidant-rich fruit can also prevent the hardening of the arteries by reducing blood vessel damage, as well as lower cholesterol levels.
80% of people affected by cardiovascular disease can avoid it. There are so many awe-inspiring recovery stories of people who took their health into their own hands at the last minute and managed to grant themselves a second chance; There are also so many who unfortunately acted too late. The pride some may have in maintaining living an indulgent life, ignorant of the damage being done under the skin, will ultimately drive themselves to disease. There are endless, incredible plant-based dishes that will feel more like a change in gears than a full-blown plunge into deprivation. So much of our happiness in life comes from the food we eat and the experience we share with the ones we care for during this time. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could also celebrate the life we are getting back every time we choose a healthfully constructed, delicious plant-based meal?
