Learn how to avoid angina pain and which angina foods to eat. Before we get to this heart-healthy foods list, let’s learn a little more about this condition.
Angina pectoris consists of spasms or reversible narrowing of the coronary arteries. These arteries are responsible for providing blood flow of the heart muscle, thus allowing it to best.
Angina pectoris or angor pectoris manifests through intense, oppressive pain on the left side of the thorax, radiating down the left arm. It is generally experienced after some physical effort, intense emotion, or stressful situation. Contrary to an infarction (heart attack), angina is reversible and usually does not leave permanent heart damage. Diet has a great influence on the condition and function of the coronary arteries.
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Risk factors for angina are:
- Arteriosclerosis (narrowing and hardening) of the coronary arteries. A diet that is poor in plant-based foods and rich in saturated fats is one of its primary causes along with tobacco and lack of physical exercise.
- A tendency to spasms or contractions of the smooth (involuntary) muscles, such as those that form the wall of the arteries. A deficiency of magnesium and other nutrients fosters these spasms.
Angina Foods to Eat
GRAPES: These are rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids and resveratrol (particularly black grapes), which dilate the coronary arteries and improve the circulation of the blood within. Grapes are number one amongst the best angina foods to eat. They’re the most cardio-protective fruit existing.
WALNUT: This is an ideal food for the heart because of its richness in heart-healthy fatty acids and vitamin B1, as well as its cholesterol-reducing effect. It improves the condition of the coronary arteries and helps avoid angina.
ONION: Prevents arteriosclerosis, improves the fluidity of the blood and improves blood flow through the coronary arteries. Its essential oils exercise a mild antispasmodic effect that may affect the coronary arteries as well, contributing to avoiding angina. Onions are more effective raw than cooked.
WHOLE GRAINS: They help prevent arteriosclerosis and contribute to improved blood circulation in the coronary arteries.
BARLEY: Regardless of how this whole-grain is prepared, barley is a good preventive for cardiovascular disease, particularly the arteries.
RYE: Rye helps make the arterial walls more elastic, the blood more fluid, and improves circulation in the coronary arteries.
POTATO: Potatoes are low in sodium and rich in potassium. Baked or cooked with vegetables, potatoes should be part of the diet for heart patients.
Squash is an Excellent Food for Angina
PEACH: Peaches facilitate the work of the heart because of their richness in antioxidant vitamins, potassium, and magnesium. This is particularly beneficial when there is insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle itself due to coronary artery disease.
STRAWBERRY: These contain a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes the harmful effects of free radicals on the arteries. By improving the condition of the arteries, including the coronary arteries, strawberries stop the progression of angina toward a possible heart attack.
SQUASH: This is ideal amongst the angina foods to eat because it is good for cardiovascular patients in general. It contains virtually no fat or sodium, while at the same time it is a good source of antioxidant vitamins such as C and E, and beta-carotene (provitamin A). It is rich in potassium, which fosters the proper function of the cardiovascular system.
ZUCCHINI: These are beneficial for cardiac patients because they contain virtually no fat or sodium. At the same time, they are a good source of cardio-protective B vitamins, particularly folates.
CASHEW: These are of help against coronary artery spasms that cause angina because of their magnesium and B vitamin content.
MANGO: These protect the coronary arteries due to their content of three powerful antioxidant vitamins: provitamin A (beta-carotene) and vitamins C and E.
NON-ALCOHOLIC WINE: This provides some of the cardio-protective phytochemicals and nutrients present in grapes. Non-alcoholic wine is preferable to alcoholic wine, although it is not as healthy as grapes or pure grape juice.
Angina Pectoris Foods to Avoid
SATURATED FAT: Consumption of saturated fat promotes the narrowing of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart, thus causing angina.
SODIUM: A sodium-rich diet, which is most commonly found in common table salt, gives arterial walls o propensity to contract. When this contraction occurs in the coronary arteries, angina is the result.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power. Trans. Annette Melgosa. Vol. 2. Chai Wan: Editorial Safeliz, 2005. 54. [Angina foods to eat]
Last update on 2023-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
