Diet plays an important role in maintaining heart health. Among the foods beneficial to the health of this organ are certain fruits. What are their effects?
Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are rich in nutrients that play an important role in maintaining heart health. For example, a handful of strawberries covers a person’s daily requirement for vitamin C. It is of great importance for the proper functioning of the body, as it is involved in many processes that take place in it. Berries, thanks to the presence of vitamin C, can support the functioning of blood vessels. Antioxidant compounds, of which vitamin C is one, protect against oxidative stress and the harmful effects of free radicals.
Avocados
Avocados are an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, consumption of which has been linked to maintaining normal cholesterol levels. The fruit is also rich in potassium, a nutrient essential for heart health, the proper concentration of which in the body is linked to maintaining normal blood pressure1. There are 485 milligrams of potassium in 100 grams of avocado, or about 14% of the daily requirement for this element.
Bergamot orange
Bergamot orange is a species of citrus plant grown in southern Italy, in the Calabria region. Its name comes from the city of Bergamo, where the oil from this plant was first sold. Recently, it was found that out of 42 citrus fruits tested, bergamot has the highest polyphenol content. Bergamot is bitter and not very tasty, which is why it is not among the dessert fruits. Wanting to take advantage of its remarkable properties, one should reach for a modern preparation containing BPF, such as Berimal.
As new research emerges, the link between diet and heart health is growing. Fruits can also affect blood pressure, triglyceride levels and blood cholesterol. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, avocados contain monounsaturated fats and potassium, and bergamot is a source of BPF, a composition of polyphenols that positively affect the body’s fat metabolism. Including these fruits in your diet can help keep your heart in good shape.
1 EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA), Scientific opinion on dietary reference values for potassium, EFSA Journal, 2016, 14, 10, 4592.