What is alarming about heart health is that the number of heart attacks is on a steady rise worldwide, and physicians blame poor diet and lack of exercise as the main factors. Heart attacks are rising in younger patients in their twenties and thirties.
While consulting a cardiologist regularly is a must to keep your heart healthy, it is equally important to eat healthy even when you travel.
As a frequent traveler to different parts of the world, it serves in your interest to know what the healthiest eating options are available in the part of the world that you are currently exploring. Based on your best interests, you will find some of the most popular and heart-healthy dishes worldwide.
- When in Cuba, eat beans and rice to improve your heart’s health. Cubans love their traditional dish of beans and rice, which are not only delicious but add to the health factor. The recipe for the delectable dish is simple and can be enjoyed as a side dish any day of the week.
- When in Greece, you can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine that is based on fresh fruits and vegetables with loads of olive oil and yogurt. Enjoy authentic Greek food and its spreads and dips such as hummus and Tzatziki and appetizers such as Dolmades.
- When in Egypt, gorge on their fiber-rich fava beans served with the superfood tahini. Egyptians traditionally love their savory breakfasts that carry no cholesterol but only healthy fats. Add some hard-boiled eggs to get that extra nutritional boost.
- When in Japan, take advantage of their vegetarian sushi made from fresh vegetables. Rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, the staple Japanese dish served with fermented soy products promotes gut health.
- When in France, do not forget to include the Niçoise Salad in your daily diet. The world-famous healthy salad is made with fresh tomatoes and olives. You can add some tofu to add to the salad’s nutritional value.
- When in Mexico, enjoy delicious and healthy Mexican foods that are made from beans, fruits, and veggies. Most Mexican dishes that contain avocados, corn, tomatoes, and peppers are excellent sources of micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
- When in the Middle East, taste the traditional Middle Eastern food, tabbouleh made from fresh herbs, healthy grains, bulgur, and tomatoes. The flavorful and enticing side dish drizzled with olive oil is known to keep the heart-healthy.
- When in Korea, enjoy kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish that is both delicious and healthy. Made from wholesome ingredients such as ginger, red pepper, and garlic, it helps to lower cholesterol levels and keeps the heart healthy.
- When in Russia, you will discover Kasha which is made from buckwheat groats and tastes like oatmeal. Rich with antioxidants, it is a reservoir of powerful protein that keeps your blood pressure down.
All the above-listed dishes from around the world not only stimulate your taste buds but are known to lower the risk of heart disease. Go ahead and enjoy both the flavor and health at all times!