6. Dark Leafy Greens
All veggies are heart health boosters, but dark leafy greens are truly amazing. Spinach and kale, in particular, contain lutein, a carotenoid that can lower your risk of developing heart disease. Lutein acts as an antioxidant in order to remove harmful free radicals that can actually lead to hardened arteries.
They can also lower cholesterol levels by forcing your body to get rid of more cholesterol. In fact, studies suggest that this carotenoid called lutein can lower the levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol, preventing artery plaque buildup.
Plus, dark leafy greens are pretty versatile. You can easily add them to your fresh salad or consume them as a side dish.
For more healthy foods, check out the following articles:
- 14 Healthy Foods You Should Eat Every Day
- 5 “Unhealthy” Foods That Get a Bad Rap, But They Really Shouldn’t
- The Best Brain Foods to Improve Memory and Focus
