17. Edamame Beans
You may recognise Edamame beans from sushi bars and Japanese restaurants. These little green beans are a delicious and healthy starter or snack while having some surprising benefits for your heart. They are rich in Vitamin K, antioxidants, and fiber, which are all linked to a decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases. As well as this, some studies have shown that eating 47 grams of Soy Proteins such as Edamame beans per day can lower the ‘bad’ cholesterol in your body by almost 13%!
Edamame beans also happen to be a great source of plant-based protein, so are a great addition to any vegan or vegetarian diet. Adding protein to your diet can also help you to lose weight because protein causes you to feel fuller for longer. If you’re overweight, getting down to a healthy weight is an important first step in taking care of your heart and avoiding heart attacks or strokes.
