Colorful food suitable for patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

Author: Qin Lili, Jining First People's Hospital, Shandong Province

Reviewer: Zhang Haiguo, deputy chief physician, First People's Hospital of Jining City, Shandong Province

In the fast-paced modern life, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, the "big enemy of health", seriously threaten people's lives and health. The number of patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases is huge, and the incidence rate of the population is increasing year by year, which requires our high attention. In the process of fighting against such diseases, in addition to relying on professional treatment by doctors, diet conditioning in daily life also plays a pivotal role. Today, we will learn about the "colorful" food that patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases should eat, and use colorful food to add brilliance to health.

1. Colorful food suitable for patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

1. Red foods – rich in antioxidants

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Red represents vitality and passion. Red foods, such as tomatoes, red grapes, cranberries, etc., are like small "health guardians" that bring many benefits to our bodies. These red foods are rich in antioxidants, such as lycopene, anthocyanins, vitamin C, etc. Among them, lycopene is an extremely powerful antioxidant that can efficiently remove free radicals in the body, thereby reducing the damage caused by free radicals to blood vessels. Free radicals are one of the important factors that lead to vascular aging and disease, and lycopene is like a solid "protective umbrella" that protects our blood vessels from free radicals.

2. Orange foods: a treasure trove of vitamin C

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Orange gives people a sense of warmth and vitality. Orange foods, such as pumpkin, carrots, oranges, etc., are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that not only enhances human immunity, but also helps the body absorb iron and maintain blood vessel elasticity. Vitamin C can also promote the synthesis of collagen, which can maintain the elasticity of blood vessel walls. When our bodies lack vitamin C, the elasticity of blood vessel walls will decrease, which can easily lead to dangers such as blood vessel rupture and bleeding.

In addition, the beta-carotene in orange foods can be converted into vitamin A, which has significant antioxidant and arteriosclerosis prevention effects, has a significant protective effect on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems, and can effectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

3. Yellow food - rich in dietary fiber

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Yellow symbolizes brightness and cheerfulness. Yellow foods, such as corn, soybeans, bananas, etc., are rich in dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is a substance that cannot be digested and absorbed by the human body. It can bind tightly to cholesterol in the intestines, preventing cholesterol from being absorbed by the body, effectively lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of blood vessel blockage. In addition, potassium in yellow foods is an important electrolyte that is very helpful in regulating blood pressure and maintaining heart health.

4. Green Foods: The Source of Chlorophyll

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Green represents vitality and hope. Green foods, such as spinach, celery, broccoli, etc., are the main sources of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has a strong antioxidant effect, which can remove free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative damage. It not only helps the body detoxify, but also enhances the elasticity of blood vessel walls and reduces the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. At the same time, it can also promote blood circulation and improve the ability to transport oxygen.

Vitamins and minerals in green vegetables are also important for cardiovascular health. For example, spinach is rich in vitamin K, folic acid, iron, etc. Vitamin K plays an important role in maintaining bone health and blood coagulation, and folic acid can reduce homocysteine ​​levels; celery is rich in apigenin, which has the effect of lowering blood pressure and relaxing blood vessels; sulforaphane in broccoli has the magical effect of anti-oxidation and anti-cancer.

5. Purple Foods – Rich in Anthocyanins

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Purple is full of mystery and represents elegance. Purple foods, such as purple cabbage, purple sweet potato, and purple grapes, are rich in anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are extremely powerful antioxidants that can effectively remove free radicals in the body. Their antioxidant capacity is several times that of vitamin C and vitamin E. Anthocyanins can lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and have many benefits for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular patients.

2. Dietary considerations for patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

For patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, in addition to the above-mentioned "rainbow" foods, they should also pay attention to the following points.

1. Maintain a balanced diet. Ensure a diverse and balanced diet, and consume adequate protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals to meet the body's nutritional needs.

2. Strictly control salt intake Excessive salt intake can lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The World Health Organization recommends that adults should not consume more than 5 grams of salt per day.

3. Exercise moderately Appropriate exercise can promote blood circulation and enhance cardiopulmonary function. Patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases can choose appropriate exercise according to their own conditions, such as walking, jogging, swimming, Tai Chi, etc. It is recommended to perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or about 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise per week.