Do you feel regretful after eating food that’s supposed to be off-limits, such as a chocolate dessert or a nice, juicy steak? These foods, which are considered to be guilty pleasures, are often thought to be too indulgent, too rich, and harmful to one’s health. However, experts say that eating the food that we want to eat when we want them doesn’t necessarily mean that we make poor choices when it comes to our wellbeing.
Leah Tsui, a registered dietician and certified intuitive eating counselor, recently spoke with Self Magazine and said that people shouldn’t berate themselves for eating a certain type of food. “In fact, giving yourself permission to eat the foods that satisfy you is an act of self-compassion,” she adds. What’s more, when consumed in moderation, some of the foods that are deemed to be unhealthy are proven to be beneficial for cardiovascular health. While you should certainly eat your greens, having the occasional treat may also help to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Here are the best guilty-pleasure foods that are good for your heart.
Dark Chocolate
Most women don’t necessarily think about heart health until they start experiencing certain symptoms, such as chest pains or an irregular heartbeat. Since about 80 percent of women ages 40 to 60 have one or more risk factors of coronary heart disease, getting regular medical checkups is a must so you can get proper treatment in case you develop a heart condition. For instance, arrhythmia, which makes the heart beat too fast or too slow, can be treated with a minimally invasive surgery known as a cardiac ablation procedure. Treating and managing heart disease in its early stages may help to prevent it from getting worse over time.
Aside from getting checkups, making good lifestyle choices, such as getting enough exercise, taking time to de-stress, and eating heart-friendly foods can help to keep your heart in top condition. One of the best– and most delicious– foods that are proven to be beneficial for cardiovascular health is dark chocolate. In fact, a study has found that participants who ate 25 grams of dark chocolate daily for 8 weeks had significantly lower blood pressure than those who ate other types of chocolate. What’s more, dark chocolate has anti-inflammatory properties which may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Eat no more than 20 to 30 grams of dark chocolate per day, and choose chocolate that has at least 70 percent cacao solids to boost your heart health.
Red Meat
For years, we’ve often been told to avoid eating red meat since it’s bad for our heart. However, new research indicates that reducing red meat consumption from average has little to no health benefit. In a study that was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers found that there is no significant link between meat eating and heart disease. However, the findings doesn’t mean that we can eat unlimited amounts of meat, nor should we overindulge in processed meats such as bacon or sausages.
To keep your heart healthy, limit your red meat portions to no more than 65 grams, and consume only three portions or less per week. Choose lean red meat instead of fatty cuts, and grill the meat rather than frying it to avoid adding extra oil. Also, choose to have vegetable side dishes, such as roasted asparagus, broccoli, or brussel sprouts whenever you eat red meat.
Coffee
Worried about your daily cappuccino habit? Don’t fret. Although there has been much discourse about the negative effects of coffee on health, studies show that consuming two to three cups of coffee per day may lower your risk of developing coronary heart disease, a heart rhythm problem, or heart failure by 10 to 15 percent. The maximum heart health benefits were seen in people drinking two to three cups, compared to those drinking less or more.
Sticking to the beneficial amount of coffee daily may lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, but the way you prepare your drink may further boost its health benefits. For instance, instead of adding sugar and other flavorings, sweeten your coffee with stevia or coconut sugar to reduce calorie intake. Also, instead of using coffee creamer or half and half, try using oat milk, coconut cream, or pistachio milk to give your beverage a rich taste. Doing so allows you to enhance your coffee without adding saturated fats, which can increase the risk for heart disease.
Some of your favorite foods can actually be good for cardiovascular health. Consume dark chocolate, red meat, and coffee in moderation to prevent heart disease. If you experience heart symptoms, see a cardiologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
