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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an angina diet?
An angina diet is a heart-healthy eating plan that aims to improve blood flow and manage angina symptoms. Reducing the risk factors for heart disease—high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity—is its primary objective.
What are the benefits of following an angina diet?
Following an angina diet can help:
1. Reduce angina attacks: By improving blood flow to the heart, a healthy diet can reduce angina symptoms’ frequency and severity.
2. Lower your risk of heart disease: Angina is a warning sign of potential heart problems. A heart-healthy diet can help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications.
3. Improve overall health: Eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains benefits your overall health, increasing energy levels and contributing to better weight management.
What are the fundamental principles of an angina diet?
Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains: Every day, one should eat five servings or more of fruits and vegetables. Eating whole grains rather than processed ones like white bread and spaghetti is better.
1. Choose lean protein sources: opt for fish, chicken, beans, legumes, and tofu over fatty meats like red and processed meats.
2. Limit unhealthy fats: Decrease the amount of trans and saturated fats in processed meals, fried foods, and fatty meats. Choose healthy fats from nuts, avocados, and olive oil.
3. Reduce sodium intake: Excess sodium can raise blood pressure and worsen angina symptoms. Limit processed foods, canned goods, and added salt in cooking.
4. Control portion sizes: Pay attention to your portions to keep your weight within a healthy range and avoid overindulging, which could trigger angina episodes.
5. Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated improves blood flow and overall health. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily.
What foods should I avoid or limit with an angina diet?
Fatty meats: red meat, processed meats, and fried foods. Full-fat dairy products, processed snacks, baked goods, and fried foods are all sources of saturated and trans fats.
Sugary drinks and sweets: Excess sugar can raise blood pressure and contribute to weight gain.
Salty foods: Canned goods, processed foods, and salty snacks can increase sodium intake.
Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can worsen angina symptoms. Moderate intake is advised, if at all.
Can I follow an angina diet and still eat my favorite foods?
Yes! You can still indulge sometimes in your favorite cuisine. Adapt recipes to healthier versions, use smaller portions, and make conscious choices about ingredients. Focus on overall balanced eating patterns rather than complete restriction.
Should I talk to a doctor or registered dietitian before starting an angina diet?
Absolutely! See your doctor or a qualified nutritionist for tailored advice before making significant dietary changes, especially if you are taking medication or have any underlying medical concerns. They could help you design a safe and effective plan of action.
DISCLAIMER: Any and all content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. You should not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
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]
- American Heart Association. (2023, May 26). Angina (Chest Pain). https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/answers-by-heart/what-is-angina.pdf
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2021, September 30). Diet and Lifestyle for Angina. https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/angina-a-to-z
- Mayo Clinic. (2023, June 22). Angina. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/angina/symptoms-causes/syc-20369373
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, May 31). Diet for a Healthy Heart. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/heart-healthy-eating-plan-fact-sheet
- University of Maryland Medical Center. (2023, February 15). Angina (Chest Pain). https://www.mdguidelines.com/
Additional Resources:
- American College of Cardiology. https://www.acc.org/
- The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.eatright.org/
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API