10 foods to improve your heart health.

Food nutrients are a major contributor to the efficiency of the body and all of its organs. The type of food we eat will determine whether to enhance the body's organ functions or reduce them.

The heart is an engine-like organ of the body. It is constantly working round the clock to supply food nutrients, oxygen and other chemical substances throughout the body. It is a very important organ that we cannot afford to take with levity. The heart is made up of chambers formed by muscles and valves, beautifully designed for the sole purpose of pumping blood in and out of itself.

The heart functions by constantly receiving and supplying blood to and from every part of the body. Hence, any obstruction in this process at any time weakens and in the long run destroys the delicate organ. We should be all out to ensure that the heart is not hindered in its role. Heart diseases are grouped under the umbrella called cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

For perspective, here are some recent stats.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year, as stated by the World Health Organisation. This accounts for 32% of global death causes. Over three-quarters of the death caused by cardiovascular diseases (CVD ) are seen in low- and middle-income countries. This interprets that everyone is at risk. Africans are a major contributor to this global burden.

According to another recent statistical report by the CDC, in the United States, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds. Every year, about 805,000 people in the United States have a heart attack. Of these, 605,000 are a first heart attack.

These numbers are wild and should be taken seriously. This is why I want to share with you helpful ways to eat so as not to be a part of these sad statistics as you grow older. The heart ought to be cared for and looked after with utmost caution.

With adequate healthy nutrition and lifestyle practices you can prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases or reverse it if you are already at risk or have had a heart disease episode.

Here are 10 foods you should be eating daily to enhance the efficiency of your heart.

1. Oats

Oats are a member of the family of grains. They are rich in fibre, glycans and amino acids that are responsible for ensuring the improved flow of blood from and to the heart by removing residual fats from all the blood vessel walls. They contain soluble fibres and are also able to sustain energy longer. Oats support heart health.

2. Fruits

Fruits and vegetables are chiefly rich in vitamins, fibre, minerals and amino acids in their most accessible and absorbable form. These fruits of various colours and categories are highly rich in