13. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are tiny, but they certainly pack a punch when it comes to health benefits. They contain an Omega-3 fatty acid called ALA, which helps to lower your risk factors of developing cardiovascular diseases. They do this by helping to keep the vessels around your heart clear and free from blockages. A study involving more than 250,000 people concluded that consuming ALA leads to a decrease in the risk of cardiovascular disease by an impressive 14%.
As well as that fantastic Omega-3, flaxseeds are rich in dietary fiber that’s good for your gut and digestive system. Consuming dietary fiber helps to both lower high blood pressure and levels of bad cholesterol, which are both great news for your heart.
One study showed that when a group of people suffering from high cholesterol started consuming 3 tablespoons of flaxseed powder every day for three months, their levels of “bad” cholesterol decreased by almost 20%.