Heart disease, the silent killer: Study shows it can strike without symptoms

Heart disease is acknowledged as the “silent killer” for a cause — an estimated 45{bf0515afdcaddba073662ceb89fbb62b6b1bf123143c0e06b788e1946e8c353f} of all coronary heart assaults arrive devoid of any of the vintage signs and symptoms, according to Harvard Medical Faculty.

Now, a new research published in the Annals of Inner Drugs has observed that approximately 50 {bf0515afdcaddba073662ceb89fbb62b6b1bf123143c0e06b788e1946e8c353f} of the members had been uncovered to have indicators of coronary heart ailment or atherosclerosis — a plaque develop-up in the arteries that can limit blood stream — irrespective of having no prior indications.

Scientists from Copenhagen College Clinic in Denmark studied about 9,000 people age 40 or more mature who had no indications and no history of heart disorder. 

KETO Meal plans COULD Boost Risk OF Coronary heart Assault AND STROKE, Says NEW Study

Health professionals made use of angiograms, which are professional medical photographs that clearly show the inside of the heart, to identify the success.

A minor more than half of the individuals experienced no indication of coronary heart sickness. 

Having said that, 36{bf0515afdcaddba073662ceb89fbb62b6b1bf123143c0e06b788e1946e8c353f} had “nonobstructive disorder,” which suggests there was some plaque buildup in the arteries but not sufficient to result in a blockage. Another 10{bf0515afdcaddba073662ceb89fbb62b6b1bf123143c0e06b788e1946e8c353f} experienced “obstructive sickness,” which involves important plaque buildup that could slim or block the arteries.

Heart disease, the silent killer: Study shows it can strike without symptoms

An approximated 45{bf0515afdcaddba073662ceb89fbb62b6b1bf123143c0e06b788e1946e8c353f} of all coronary heart attacks arrive with out any of the basic signs. (iStock)

People who showed obstructive and in depth illness were at the highest possibility for upcoming heart assaults, the findings said.

In about 3.5 several years, 193 persons included with the review had died and 71 had skilled coronary heart attacks. 

Fox Information Digital attained out to the research authors for remark.

Dr. Adedapo Iluyomade, a preventive cardiologist at Baptist Overall health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute in South Florida, was not included in the study but reviewed the results.

“This review supports the value of focusing on early prevention and early identification of people who would be considered higher-threat for future cardiovascular activities,” he explained to Fox Information Digital in an interview.

Who is at superior possibility?

The principal risk components for heart condition incorporate using tobacco, high blood stress, diabetes, weight problems, large lower-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, unhealthy diet program, a sedentary life style and secondhand smoke exposure, according to the Centers for Sickness Control and Prevention (CDC).

Some chance variables, these as sexual intercourse and age, just can’t be modified.

Just about 50 {bf0515afdcaddba073662ceb89fbb62b6b1bf123143c0e06b788e1946e8c353f} the contributors experienced some diploma of heart sickness, but no indications.

“Males are at a bigger risk, as are persons who are above the age of 65,” explained Dr. Iluyomade. “But at the identical time, studies have shown that the course of action of atherosclerosis commences extremely early on and quite silently.”

The medical professional warns that as early as age 10 or 11, fatty streaks can previously be discovered in the arteries, which can acquire eventually into a major buildup of plaque in the arteries.

“There are some risk things, this sort of as genetics, environmental elements and continual irritation, that cannot be quickly plugged into a chance calculator or evaluation resource,” he mentioned.

In the study, doctors used angiograms, which are medical images that show the inside of the heart, to determine participants' heart health.

In the review, medical practitioners applied angiograms, which are medical visuals that exhibit the inside of the coronary heart, to figure out participants’ heart well being. (iStock)

“Coronary atherosclerosis typically develops in the absence of symptoms mainly because the underlying chance variables, such as superior blood tension and large cholesterol, typically never trigger signs either,” claimed Dr. Jim Liu, a cardiologist at The Ohio Condition College Wexner Professional medical Centre. He was not associated in the review. 

“It is critical for sufferers to see their wellbeing care suppliers routinely to make positive individuals risk things are dealt with.” 

Health practitioner calls for preventive screenings

Dr. Iluyomade is hopeful that escalating the availability of coronary heart well being screenings for people without signs or symptoms could help help save life.

In specific, he endorses rolling out calcium-rating screening coronary heart checks, which use computerized tomography (CT) to detect any plaque buildup in the arteries.

5 Uncomplicated Strategies TO Assistance Protect against Heart Disease THIS Year

“CT calcium scoring can detect no matter if plaque in the coronary arteries is obstructing blood flow or not,” he explained. “It will take just 7 minutes and the radiation publicity is negligible.”

Coverage ordinarily does not protect a CT calcium take a look at the expense is normally among $100 and $400, in accordance to Healthline.

An additional screening possibility is CT angiography, which was utilized in the Copenhagen University analyze. This take a look at will involve injecting dye into the affected individual applying an IV and then using photographs of blood vessels to detect any probable blockages.

"It’s important for patients to see their health care providers routinely to make sure risk factors are addressed," a cardiologist told Fox News Digital. 

“It is essential for sufferers to see their health and fitness treatment providers routinely to make certain threat components are addressed,” a cardiologist instructed Fox Information Electronic.  (iStock)

In most cases, insurance plan will only pay out for CT angiography if the individual has symptoms, mentioned Dr. Iluyomade.

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The major limitation of the Copenhagen examine is that only White men and women in Denmark ended up incorporated in the analysis.

Even with the worries that keep on being, Dr. Iluyomade is encouraged by the progress which is been manufactured. 

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“I consider it is really a great working day and age for preventive cardiology, in that we are equipped to detect sickness just before it will become symptomatic and prevent it from resulting in challenges,” he stated.

In 2020, about 697,000 persons in the U.S. died from coronary heart sickness, for each CDC facts. 

It is the top induce of death for gentlemen, gals and people today of most racial and ethnic groups in the state.

World Tuberculosis Day: Foods to eat and avoid when recuperating from the infectious bacterial disease

World Tuberculosis Day, observed on March 24 every year, aims to increase public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) and the numerous efforts being taken to eliminate the disease. As such, it is pertinent to understand more about TB, its causes, and some simple diet measures that can help one when recuperating.

What are the causes?

TB is caused by an organism called mycobacterium tuberculosis, which mainly affects the lungs, but can also impact other parts of the body. TB spreads through the air when infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

Once diagnosed, the treatment depends on whether it is drug-resistant or simple tuberculosis. According to experts, when recovering from TB, it is critical to consume a well-balanced and nutritious diet to help strengthen the immune system. “As drug metabolism is mainly through the liver or in the case of injectables, the kidneys as well, adequate nutrition is critical,” said Dr Vaibhav Chachra, senior consultant, pulmonology, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Dehradun.

However, while it is common to experience reduced appetite due to tuberculosis, adequate food intake is necessary for recovery, stressed Anjali Khalane, consultant pulmonologist and sleep disorders specialist, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, adding that one’s diet should include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Concurred Dr DS Sowjanya, senior pulmonologist, Kamineni Hospitals, Hyderabad and said that cereal porridge can help keep up energy levels during treatment, too. “Other supplements like vitamins and minerals can also be taken to ensure the body gets all the necessary nutrients while fighting TB. It is best to avoid any weight loss diets while undergoing treatment as this might weaken the immune system further,” said Dr Sowjanya.

World Tuberculosis Day: Foods to eat and avoid when recuperating from the infectious bacterial disease Going for more plant-based options and filling up your plate with a lot of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains will make your meal nutrient-dense (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Dr Khalane described the food composition

*Wheat, corn, rice, lentils, and potatoes are examples of high-carbohydrate foods. They will help add calories and reduce energy malnutrition. “Malnourished people are at increased risk of developing tuberculosis and take a prolonged time to recover,” Dr Khalane said.

*Daily consumption of milk, milk products, eggs, meat, and fish is beneficial, said Dr Khalane. “Protein requirements can be met by including groundnuts or dry fruit and nut mixes. As TB patients have a low appetite, they can eat dry fruits and nuts powdered finely and mixed into a milkshake or added to roti,” said Dr Khalane.

*Fats like soyabean oil, mustard oil, coconut oil, and nuts like ground nuts are good sources of energy and protein and can be taken as snacks in either dried or roasted form.

*Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A, such as oranges, mangoes, papayas, sweet pumpkins, and carrots, are among the best foods for TB patients. Fresh fruits high in vitamin C include guava, amla, orange, tomato, sweet lime, lemon, and capsicum. Dr Sowjanya also shared, “Orange fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps fight TB. Carrots are a good source of Vitamin A as well as minerals such as magnesium and potassium that help build strong immunity”.

*Wheat germ, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils are common sources of vitamin E. Most nuts and seeds, including sunflower seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and flax seeds are also good sources of both selenium and zinc. Oysters, fish, and chicken are non-vegetarian options.

*Maintaining adequate hydration by drinking 2 to 2.5 liters of liquid daily is essential, Dr Khalane added.

What to eat and avoid?

A person suffering from tuberculosis should avoid the following

– Alcohol and smoking as they increase the risk of drug toxicity.
– Carbonated drinks
– Excessive consumption of tea and coffee, or their consumption with food
– An excess of spices and salt

Dr Ambarish Joshi, senior consultant, pulmonary and sleep medicine, Primus Superspeciality Hospital, New Delhi listed some foods to consume, and avoid while recovering from TB

Foods to consume

*Fish, chicken, eggs, beans, and legumes are all good sources of lean protein.
*Fruits and vegetables that are in season
*Brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread are examples of whole cereals.
*Dairy items with low fat, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese
*Nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil are examples of healthy lipids.

Avoid these foods

*Chips, candy, and sugary beverages and such processed foods.
*Fast meals and processed meats are rich in fat and sodium.
*Caffeine and alcohol
*Fried foods and snacks

drinking water Here’s why drinking water is essential for you (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

“Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated is also essential, as is avoiding raw or undercooked meats, uncooked seafood, or eggs, which can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Consult a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for customised dietary recommendations based on your unique requirements and health state,” said Dr Joshi.

Dr Chachra mentioned that one should “ensure to have small frequent meals so that there is no hyperacidity. Soups and fresh juices are also helpful during this period”.

Dr Khalane also underlined that it is important to take TB medications regularly and complete the course of treatment as prescribed by the treating doctor.

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Eating handful of nuts daily reduces heart disease risk 25{bf0515afdcaddba073662ceb89fbb62b6b1bf123143c0e06b788e1946e8c353f}

Including some crunch to your menu could save your ticker.

Scandinavian scientists located that ingesting a little amount of money of nuts and seeds every single working day can cut down the danger of a heart assault and strokes, according to a new study posted in the Food stuff Nourishment Investigate journal.

“If you eat a handful of nuts just about every working day — that is close to 30 grams — you will have a 20{bf0515afdcaddba073662ceb89fbb62b6b1bf123143c0e06b788e1946e8c353f} to 25{bf0515afdcaddba073662ceb89fbb62b6b1bf123143c0e06b788e1946e8c353f} reduce threat of suffering from cardiovascular disease,” explained examine co-author Erik Kristoffer Arnesen, of the University of Oslo’s Division of Diet, in a statement.

“In comparison, grownups in the Nordic international locations only try to eat on regular about 4 grams of nuts a day. Quite a few do not consume nuts or seeds at all.”

Scientists claimed they never have a particular nut which is sure to reduce the possibility — but observed that almonds, pistachios and walnuts appeared to be the ideal for decreasing cholesterol.

While the workforce of scientists guiding the research mentioned “the more the better,” taking in just a few nuts is better than none — and can improve your coronary heart overall health noticeably.

“Nuts have a effective result on cholesterol levels in the blood, which is significant to retain lower in order to prevent the buildup of extra fat in the arteries,” Arnesen defined. “This atherosclerosis, as it is referred to as, is one particular of the finest danger factors for coronary heart attacks.”


Eating handful of nuts daily reduces heart disease risk 25{bf0515afdcaddba073662ceb89fbb62b6b1bf123143c0e06b788e1946e8c353f}
The investigate implies ingesting a serving of nuts a working day can lower the risk of coronary heart disease.
Getty Images

The composition of fatty acids in nuts is beneficial for aiding overall health, according to the study's authors.
The composition of fatty acids in nuts is beneficial for aiding over-all well being, according to the study’s authors.
Getty Illustrations or photos/iStockphoto

About 1.8 million individuals had been involved in the review, with researchers searching at the relative possibility to getting coronary heart ailment or strokes in comparison to how quite a few nuts they ate in a day.

Researchers discovered that nuts decreased blood lipids — or excess fat in the blood — really do not feel to affect blood stress, and have been unable to identify if they influence blood sugar.

It was also unclear if having nuts diminished the threat of strokes and Sort 2 diabetic issues, with the review authors expressing far more exploration is needed.

The co-authors prompt the composition of fatty acids in nuts is valuable for aiding total well being.

“Even however nuts can’t be employed to treat significant cholesterol, we believe that that the result is sizeable ample to be utilized as a preventive evaluate amongst the normal populace,” Arnesen reported.

In accordance to the Mayo Clinic, unsalted nuts are a fantastic supply of protein and have at least some of these heart-healthy substances, around four to six servings of unsalted nuts a week as component of a healthy diet plan for grown ups.

The results align with study discovering the popular Mediterranean diet regime — which was named the greatest general diet for 2023 — is identified to decreased the danger of cardiovascular disease and other chronic problems, in accordance to former investigation.

The Mediterranean diet plan consists of having a great deal of refreshing greens, fruits, fish, nuts and olives.

Poor sleep linked to increased heart disease risk: Study

Poor sleep is associated with up to seven years’ worth of increased heart disease risk and even premature death, according to a study.

The research, published in the journal BMC Medicine, analysed data from more than 300,000 middle-aged adults from the UK Biobank.

Researchers from the University of Sydney in collaboration with Southern Denmark University found that different disturbances to sleep are associated with different durations of compromised cardiovascular health later in life compared to healthy sleepers.

In particular, men with clinical sleep-related breathing disorders lost nearly seven years of cardiovascular disease-free life compared to those without these conditions, and women lost over seven years, they said.

The study found that even general poor sleep, such as insufficient sleep, insomnia, snoring, going to bed late, and daytime sleepiness is associated with a loss of around two years of normal heart health in men and women.

“Our research shows that, over time, regular poor sleep can lead to significantly compromised cardiovascular health in middle and old age,” said Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis from the University of Sydney, and senior author of the study.

“Sleep apnea is well known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions, but these findings are a wake-up call that poor sleep in general can pose significant risk to heart health,” Stamatakis said in a statement.

The team came up with three sleep categories: poor, intermediate, and healthy at age 40, and compared this with their overall cardiovascular disease-free health expectancy.
By combining the study participants’ self-reported data with clinical data from their doctors in the two years preceding the study, the researchers were able to compare health outcomes for self-reported sleep patterns and clinically diagnosed conditions such as sleep-related breathing disorders.

The team categorised participants as poor, intermediate, and healthy sleepers at age 40, and compared their health outcomes at old age.

Women with poor sleep were likely to experience two years more of compromised cardiovascular health compared to healthy sleepers, while men experienced more than two years. Intermediate sleepers lost almost one year of heart disease-free life among women, and men lost slightly more.

This means that snoring and trouble falling asleep or staying asleep can be a warning sign of potential health issues in the future.

“While the average life expectancy of the UK study participants is around 80 years, people with clinically diagnosed sleep-related breathing disorders like sleep apnea lost over seven years of cardiovascular-disease free life,” said the study’s lead author Bo-Huei Huang, an epidemiologist recently graduating from the University of Sydney.

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Cardiologist Said Heart Disease Among Young People Due to Lifestyle

  • Jim Liu, a cardiologist at Ohio State University, explains why heart disease is on the rise among young people.
  • Several studies have indicated young people are dying from heart attacks at higher rates than in the past.
  • Sedentary lifestyles, vaping, poor sleep, and chronic health conditions might be behind the trend.

Heart problems are on the rise among an unlikely demographic: young people. 

People between 25 and 44 have experienced a nearly 30{bf0515afdcaddba073662ceb89fbb62b6b1bf123143c0e06b788e1946e8c353f} increase in heart attack deaths since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a 2022 study conducted by Cedars Sinai hospital in Los Angeles suggested.

Another study from Johns Hopkins, published in 2018 that reviewed 28,000 hospitalizations for heart attacks over a 20-year period, found the rate of heart attacks for women aged 35 to 54 increased, even as the overall mortality rate for heart disease decreased. 

Heart disease is an umbrella term that encompasses heart health problems including heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, or other damage to different parts of the organ. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking cigarettes are typically the root causes of many types of heart disease, but lifestyle changes and national trends could be behind the increase in heart disease among young people, according to Dr. Jim Liu, a cardiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Liu told Insider he’s seen more young people with heart disease come into his care over the last five to ten years. Perhaps surprisingly, the cardiologist said many of his new, younger patients do not have any of the traditional risk factors, and might be more susceptible to other issues and indicators that could increase overall risk. 

Plus, data from a survey by Ohio State found 47{bf0515afdcaddba073662ceb89fbb62b6b1bf123143c0e06b788e1946e8c353f} of people under 45 did not believe they were at risk for heart disease — a trend that may also be behind the rise in heart attacks, Liu said. 

One cause could be the recent rise in obesity, said Liu. The prevalence of obesity rose from 3{bf0515afdcaddba073662ceb89fbb62b6b1bf123143c0e06b788e1946e8c353f} pre-pandemic to 4.4{bf0515afdcaddba073662ceb89fbb62b6b1bf123143c0e06b788e1946e8c353f} between 2020 to 2021, per federal data, as more people increased their alcohol intake. Young people are already prone to more sedentary lifestyles, and Liu said the pandemic may have led to even lower rates of exercise.

“Because of the pandemic, people may be a little bit less active, maybe eating worse,” Liu said. “So that could possibly translate into worsened blood pressure, increased weight, and long-term healthcare problems, specifically cardiovascular.”

Liu said young people may also be unaware of some of the less talked about risk factors for heart disease. For instance, the doctor said vapes and e-cigarettes can stress your heart just as much as regular cigarettes can. Other risk factors that might put young people in particular at risk for heart disease are illicit drug use, poor sleep, and chronic conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and HIV, the doctor said. 

Overall, Liu said more research is needed to fully understand why Americans are getting heart disease at younger ages than in the past. In the meantime, the doctor encouraged young people to make themselves aware of lifestyle factors that contribute to poor heart health, and the importance of exercise and diet to prevent this issue to lower risk factors.

“If they have a specific condition already, for example, blood pressure, diabetes, or [high] cholesterol, making sure that those are controlled by getting routine healthcare,” Liu said. “And making sure you’re sticking to a healthy lifestyle is important, also.”

15 items to add to your grocery list to prevent heart disease, other health concerns

Before you go on your next grocery shopping trip, consider heart-healthy options for your meals.

February is National Heart Month — so what better time to put a little extra effort into changing your diet and focusing more on the health of your heart?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ADD THESE HEART-HEALTHY FOODS RECOMMENDED BY EXPERTS TO YOUR GROCERY LIST

Spend time learning more about your heart and begin habits to continue throughout the year for an overall healthier lifestyle.

Here are a list of heart healthy foods to keep in your fridge or pantry.

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Dark leafy greens include veggies like spinach, kale and collard greens.

Isa Kujawski, MPH, RDN, founder of Mea Nutrition LLC, says consuming these vegetables helps to protect you against cardiovascular disease because they’re packed with nutrients.

Dark leafy greens are high in fiber and micronutrients, which help to keep your heart healthy.

15 items to add to your grocery list to prevent heart disease, other health concerns

Spinach, kale and collard greens are all examples of dark leafy greens that have a positive impact on your heart health.

Incorporate olive oil into your recipes when you’re able to in order to keep your heart strong.

Erin Kenney, MS, RD, registered dietitian and CEO of Nutrition Rewired, recommends putting olive oil into your salads or adding to homemade hummus as opposed to just heating it and using it to cook.

Olive oil is full of antioxidants, polyphenols and vitamins, all of which are good for your heart, says Kenney.

SURPRISINGLY HEART-HEALTHY FOODS

No matter how you eat your avocados, they assist in improving your heart health.

Mash them for your favorite homemade guacamole recipe or spread them over your morning toast and receive the same nutritional benefits.

Amy Adams, RDN, LDN, says that avocados are a great source of monounsaturated fats plus potassium and magnesium.

All of these things, Adams said, are good for keeping a healthy blood pressure.

Berries are sweet, refreshing and contain lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Though eating more fruit in general has a positive impact on heart health, according to Kristi Ruth, RD, LDN, blueberries are at the top of the list when it comes to heart healthy fruits. Blueberries are high in antioxidants, including anthocyanin, which is very good for the heart.

Blueberries on the vine

There are many fruits that are good for heart health, but blueberries are one of the best.

What food lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation and helps with digestive wellness? Beans.

Beans, according to Kujawaski, are great for the heart, mainly because of the high fiber content. They also contain plenty of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

Did you know that high-fat fish such as salmon can decrease your risk of death by cardiac arrhythmias? Cardiac arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to death.

The omega-3 fats that are found in fish reduce inflammation, says Kenney. She recommended eating two to three servings of high-fat fish per week, which includes salmon, but also herring, anchovies or mackerel.

If fish isn’t your cup of tea, fish oil supplements are also a good option that can provide similar benefits.

EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT HEART DISEASE AND PARTICIPATE IN WEAR RED DAY DURING FEBRUARY, AMERICAN HEART MONTH

Whole grains are great for heart heath. Whole grains are also fairly easy to incorporate into your diet since they can be consumed so many different ways.

You can do so by switching to whole grain pasta, brown rice or wheat bread.

Kristin Gillespie, MS, RD, LD, adviser for Exercisewithstyle.com, said whole grains have the opposite impact on your body that refined carbohydrates do.

Refined carbohydrates increase the risk of heart disease, while whole grains protect the heart.

Whole wheat pasta in bowl

Making some switches to whole grain products, like whole grain pasta and wheat bread, can help protect your heart.

What makes walnuts stand out among other nuts in terms of heart health is their high percent of omega 6, omega 3 and polyunsaturated fats, according to Adams.

Whether you eat these on their own, or mixed with other nuts, trying to incorporate walnuts into your daily food intake can have a good impact on your heart health.

THE WORST FOODS FOR HEART HEALTH, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS

Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3, according to Ruth, who also said it is high in fiber and lignans. Both lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

If you are stumped on how you can incorporate flaxseed into your diet, mix it into your oatmeal or blend it into a smoothie.

The Concord grape used for 100{bf0515afdcaddba073662ceb89fbb62b6b1bf123143c0e06b788e1946e8c353f} grape juice has polyphenols, which has been associated with improved blood flow.

Purple grapes on the stems

You can get lots of health benefits through sipping on some grape juice.

Simply drinking grape juice with breakfast is an easy, juicy way to assist in a healthy heart.

Papayas could have a major positive impact on health.

They are high in lycopene which shows protective activity against the risk of heart attacks, among other things.

Papaya can be added to smoothies, on top of salad or on a yogurt parfait.

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Chocolate can be very good for you when enjoyed in moderation, of course.

Dark chocolate, specifically, contains numerous health benefits, including lowering your risk of both heart disease and diabetes, according to Mayo Clinic. Dark chocolate also helps prevent blood clots, improves memory and lowers cholesterol, according to the site.

PUMPKIN BREAD WITH DARK CHOCOLATE CHIPS AND ALMOMDS: TRY THE RECIPE

Almonds are filled with monounsaturated fats and fiber, which help protect against heart disease, according to Healthline.

Pile of almonds

Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats and fiber, which help lower your risk of getting heart disease.

While almonds are great for your health, consume in moderation if you are trying to lose weight, as they are also very high in calories.

Potassium helps to lower your blood pressure and potatoes are full of it, according to health.com.

Potatoes are also high in fiber, so including them in your diet could lower your risk of heart disease.

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Pomegranates have lots of polyphenols and anthocyanins that assist in keeping a healthy heart, according to health.com.

Stack of pomegranates

Pomegranate seeds can be added to smoothies, salad or even in an alcoholic drink.

Some ways to add pomegranate seeds to your diet are by mixing them into smoothies or even in cocktails like sangria.

Add them to your salad or use them to top off your yogurt.

Of course, you can also eat the seeds as is when removed from the peel.