4 types of nuts that help prevent heart attacks

Heart attack is one of the most serious complications of heart disease. Besides regular exercise and avoiding tobacco, diet plays a crucial role in protecting cardiovascular health.

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. Heart attacks are usually caused by blood clots forming in arteries. If not treated promptly, a heart attack can cause serious damage or necrosis of the heart muscle, according to the UK health website Medical News Today .

Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

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Thanks to their rich nutritional content, the following nuts may help prevent heart attacks:

Chia seeds

Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which helps lower blood triglycerides, reduce inflammation, and decrease the risk of heart rhythm disorders. Additionally, chia seeds are a good source of soluble fiber, which helps control levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol.

In addition, the antioxidant properties of chia seeds help reduce the effects of oxidative stress, a contributing factor to heart disease.

Flax seeds

Flaxseeds are known for their high content of ALA, a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid that helps protect cardiovascular health. Regularly consuming flaxseeds can help lower blood pressure, improve arterial health, and reduce harmful cholesterol levels.

Flax seeds also contain lignans, a plant compound with antioxidant properties that helps reduce inflammation and slow the progression of atherosclerosis. To maximize the nutritional benefits of flax seeds, people should consume them ground rather than whole. The thick shell of flax seeds makes them difficult to digest properly.

Hemp seeds

Hemp seeds are a rich source of arginine, an amino acid that helps the body produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps dilate blood vessels and regulate blood pressure.

Numerous studies have shown that consuming more arginine can help lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. This is a marker of inflammation associated with heart disease.

Additionally, hemp seeds provide a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These two fatty acids help reduce inflammation and are essential for a healthy heart.

Sesame seeds

Sesame seeds, though small, are rich in lignans and phytosterols. Lignans possess antioxidant properties, helping to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Phytosterols help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol absorption in the intestines, according to Medical News Today .