DHAKA: Are you at risk of suffering from heart disease? Say goodbye to all those junk food items like vadas, samosas, fries, chips, pizzas, pastries and burgers. Bring in a fresh stock of these healthy vegetables with an open heart and lower your risk of heart disease naturally!

Leafy vegetables: Green vegetables like spinach (palak) and fenugreek (methi) are loaded with vitamin K which plays an important role in blood coagulation, offering a protective effect on the heart. They also offer folate that lowers the levels of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood that may contribute to atherosclerosis. Additionally, the fibre content of these vegetables naturally lowers the levels of LDL cholesterol that increases your risk of heart disease.

Tomatoes: Although tomatoes are botanically classified as fruits, we Indians use them regularly in cooking. Regardless of what you consider them to be, they will provide natural protection against heart disease with their goodness of lycopene, beta-carotene, folate, potassium, vitamin C, flavonoids and vitamin E. Individually, each one of them contributes to reduce LDL cholesterol, homocysteine levels, platelet aggregation and blood pressure.

Capsicum: Bell peppers or capsicums are rich in Vitamins B1, B2 and B6 and vitamin C. They also contain folate and fibre which helps reduce homocysteine levels and cholesterol respectively. A study by Kim NH and Park SH showed that capsicum juice reduced cholesterol as well as trigylceride levels in mice. It also affected systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Carrots: Basically, carrots are rich in vitamin A and C, but they also offer carotenoids and fibre. While carotenoids and vitamin C fight free radical damage to the blood vessels, fibre modifies cholesterol absorption and improves cardiovascular health.

Onions: Onions contain a compound that is an effective blood thinning agent. They also have a potent effect on cholesterol levels and platelet aggregation. Ideally, having one onion daily can help your heart to work in better way. Onions are also equally good for those suffering suffering from heart disease or plaque formation.

BDST: 2153 HRS, OCT 30, 2014