Unhealthy hearts are one of the leading causes of concern in Nigeria today. Heart-related diseases now cut across all age groups within the nation. The days when heart health was a topic only for the elderly are far gone. Heart diseases are now on the increase among young people. Nigerians in their early to mid-thirties and late twenties now suffer heart-related conditions more often than ever.

So, how do we satisfy the craving for delicious Nigerian food while maintaining good heart health? From breakfast to dinner (and snacks in between) you’re entire day can be heart-healthy! Here are some heart-healthy Nigerian foods you can add to your diet.

1. Ewedu

The rich, dark green vegetable is a powerhouse of nutrients and anti-oxidants. It’s a common first soup for babies among the Yoruba, easy on the stomach and quite nourishing. Ewedu soup is also quite rich in iron and is great as a source for building the blood.

You can’t go wrong with this food as far as the heart is concerned. Ewedu is a very common Nigerian food, especially as part of the popular Abula.

2. Bitter Leaf Soup

This highly nutritious, and regardless of the name, very delicious soup does amazing things for the heart. Bitter-leaf reduces the effects of bad cholesterol by almost 50% and significantly improves the good cholesterol.

3. Zobo (Hibiscus Tea)

As far as Nigerian foods are concerned, zobo is the ultimate drink. Zobo drinks are available at almost all street corners in Lagos and other states in Nigeria. Roselle flowers, also known as Ishapa in Yoruba, is a local herb and vegetable. The zobo drink (unsweetened) helps to reduce blood pressure in at risk patients.

4. Nigerian Avocados

They are one of the best heart-friendly foods you can get. They are fat-rich foods which contain healthy mono-saturated fats. Avocados reduce LDL within the body and increase the HDL cholesterol. Avocados are so versatile and can be added to a variety of salads, smoothies, dips. They can also be enjoyed plain, or as garnishing on food.

5. Unripe Plantain Flour

Fiber contents of unripe plantains help reduce cholesterol which has a positive effect on heart health. Diabetics often switch to this staple, allowing them enjoy swallows while staying healthy.

Plantain flour is one Nigerian food which is iron-rich with lots of other minerals great for maintaining heart health. Potassium controls blood pressure and heart rates, thereby reducing the occurrences of hypertension and heart attacks.

Unripe plantain contains serotonin, which increases dilation of the arteries and also improves blood flow out of the heart.

If you have been experiencing or seeing symptoms of heart diseases, you should endeavor to inculcate these heart-healthy foods into your diet and also do well to see a heart doctor. Find a heart doctor close to you today on www.nimerexhealth.com. For more info, you can call 09087776660.

Great. Very valuable information

Thanks for the sharing!