Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every four deaths is caused by heart disease.

Elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood contribute to the development of heart disease. A healthy diet can help lower the risk of developing heart disease by balancing the cholesterol levels in the body. Certain foods not only help in reducing bad cholesterol but also promote good heart health.

In this article, we take a look at ten scented foods that can help promote heart health and lower cholesterol naturally!.

1. Garlic

Garlic has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is rich in allicin, a sulfur compound that is mainly responsible for its characteristic smell.

Allicin has been shown to help reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood, which helps promote heart health. Garlic also helps in reducing blood pressure, improving circulation, and reducing the risk of blood clots.

2. Ginger

Ginger is widely used in cooking and known for its aromatic and spicy flavor. It contains gingerols, compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, and can help reduce cholesterol levels.

Gingerols also help in preventing the buildup of plaque in arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Its active ingredient is curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Studies have shown that curcumin can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. It also helps to improve arterial function while decreasing the risk of heart disease.

4. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is known for its hot and spicy flavor and is widely used in Mexican and South American cuisine.

It contains capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to promote heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation. Capsaicin has also been shown to help boost metabolism and aid weight loss, which can contribute to overall heart health.

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a popular spice used in desserts and sweet dishes. It contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound that can help reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.

Cinnamon has also been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb used in Mediterranean cuisine and has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. It contains carnosic acid, a compound that has antioxidant properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Studies have shown that carnosic acid can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation, which can contribute to overall heart health.

7. Fennel

Fennel is a crunchy vegetable often used in salads and Italian cuisine. It contains anethole, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Anethole can help reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar control, which are two significant risk factors for heart disease.

8. Cardamom

Cardamom is a spice commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine and gives dishes a sweet and aromatic flavor. It contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood.

Cardamom has also been shown to help improve blood sugar control, which can reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

9. Peppermint

Peppermint is a herb known for its refreshing flavor and aroma and is often used in teas and desserts. It contains menthol, a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood.

Peppermint has also been shown to help improve digestion and reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, which is closely linked to heart disease.

10. Sage

Sage is an aromatic herb often used in Mediterranean cuisine. It contains rosmarinic acid, a compound that has antioxidant properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Studies have shown that rosmarinic acid can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation, which can contribute to overall heart health.

Conclusion

Incorporating these scented foods into your diet can help promote heart health and lower cholesterol levels naturally. However, a healthy diet is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to preventing heart disease.

It’s essential to follow an overall healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, reducing stress, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption. Speak to your doctor or a registered dietitian to learn more about incorporating these foods into your diet and to design an overall healthy diet plan that suits your specific needs and preferences.