Popcorn And 4 Other Superfoods That Are Actually Really Good For You

As the leading cause of heart disease, it's definitely something to be taken seriously. We can try to take care of our health all we want, but LBR, when it comes to us Malaysians, the one thing we can't resist is food.

Trying to stick to a healthy diet is difficult enough as it is but the thing that trips us up most is snacking. They're just too difficult to resist! But not all snacks are bad for you, some could actually benefit your health greatly.

So the next time you're in need of a snack, reach for one of these superfoods that are known for their heart disease prevention and management properties. And don't worry, they're all still really yummy.

Yeah seriously, eating chocolate everyday is a legit medical recommendation. Just make sure that you're only eating a few small squares and that the chocolate is of the dark variety, with at least 60-70% cocoa content. The darker, the better! Also make sure that your chosen dark chocolate doesn't contain any saturated fats from additives like palm oil.

Dark chocolate isn't just rich in flavour, but also in flavanols, a compound that improves blood vessel flexibility, relaxes arteries, and increases blood flow. It also reduces the risk of stroke and non-fatal heart attacks.

As a whole grain, popcorn is high in fiber which does so much more than just help with your digestive system. The particular type of fiber found in whole grain can remove excess cholesterol from the walls of your blood vessels and arteries. This not only reduces your overall cholesterol level but also reduces the risk of falling victim to other dangerous heart conditions.

Your entire cardiac system will be under less strain too, as your heart will have an easier time transporting blood throughout your body without having to fight through clogged vessels and arteries.

It only remains as a healthy snack if not overly seasoned with butter, salt, caramel, and other flavourings though so making your own lightly seasoned version to snack on is the best course of action.

Taken in its purest form without any additives, green tea is an excellent health boost and has been long hailed as such in Asian countries. Whether taken hot or cold, you'll still receive the full benefits of the catechin and flavonids contained within.

These antioxidants have various benefits when it comes to cardiovascular health, including reducing blood clots. Frequent drinkers of green tea have also been found to have reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes as well as lower rates of death from heart disease.

The next time you're up in Genting or Cameron Highlands, make sure to bring back some packs of berries to keep on hand for snacking. Both strawberries and blueberries are rich in antioxidants and pectin (a type of soluble fibre) which help to get rid of the buildups of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) in your body.

Most of the health benefits that can be gained from berries are attributed to compounds known as anthocyanins which helps to bring down your blood pressure and dilate blood vessels.

Go nuts with nuts! Almonds and walnuts are particularly good for you, but you could also opt for pistachios, peanuts or macadamia nuts if you prefer. They all contain fiber and vitamin E which helps to lower bad cholesterol. For an extra heart-protecting boost, go for something like walnuts that also contains omega-3 fatty acids.

Try to keep the nuts you're eating as plain as possible (you could mix them with raisins or drizzle with a bit of honey for a burst of natural sweetness), or at least look for the kinds that don't have a lot of added salt.

Nestle Omega Plus contains Omega 3 and 6 as well as ACTICOL, plant sterols which are scientifically proven to lower cholesterol by blocking the absorption of cholesterol into the body. Drinking just two glasses daily will ensure that you're well on your way to maintaining a healthy heart.