Did you know that cardiovascular diseases are leading causes of mortality in NSW? According to the recent stats, there were around 45,000 hospitals admissions for coronary heart-related diseases among local residents. It has emerged as one of the critical health concerns for the nation. The main reason for heart diseases is sedentary lifestyle, excess consumption of junk food and no physical activity.
It becomes imperative to maintain a heart-healthy diet and good lifestyle for an overall well-being. One of the crucial factors is to managing sodium intake in your daily diet. Eating packaged snacks can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attacks. So, you can either hire professional dietician in Sydney to create a proper diet plan or opt for healthy snacks.
Here is a list of nutritious and healthy low-sodium snack options to promote a healthy heart:
These are the healthiest snack options for heart patients. Fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium. Plus, these offer various nutrients. Instead of munching a packet of potato chips or dried vegetables, snack on carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, apples , mango and banana. These provide vitamins, fibres, etc to keep your heart healthy.
Tip: Pair fresh fruits and raw vegetables with low-sodium dips like chickpeas hummus, yogurt, etc as these are rich source of proteins.
Nuts and seeds are great source of healthy fats and fibers. Instead of choosing salted nuts, go for unsalted almonds, walnuts, raisins and sunflower seeds. This can help maintain sodium intake while keeping your cholesterol levels managed. It can also help you reduce the risk of heart diseases if you eat it in moderation.
These are one of the most popular Asian vegetables that are rick in protein and fibres. Professional dieticians in Sydney, NSW recommend eating steamed edamame without adding salt. It can satiate your hunger while keeping you full for longer.
This can be a perfect healthy snack for busy mornings and people with health concerns. Opt for a low-fat yogurt and add fresh berries to enjoy your meal. You can also add dry roasted seeds and chia seeds to add extra crunch. For sweetness, add a maple syrup, dates or banana.
You can also eat plain, unsalted rice cakes topped with mashed avocado offer a low-sodium snack rich in healthy fats. Dieticians consider avocados as a rich source of monounsaturated fats that can help lower bad cholesterol levels, supporting heart health. All you need to do is to squeeze a lemon juice and a dash of black pepper for added flavours.
There is a misconception that popcorn are high in sodium. With the right preparation, you make it a healthy snack. Air-popped popcorn is a whole grain snack that is naturally low in sodium and high in fibre. Ensure you avoid adding butter or salt; instead, season with herbs or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added flavour. It can also help you lose weight and promote good health.
These are some of the best heart-healthy snacks you can include in your diet and munch on low-sodium yet delicious food without triggering your hearth health.