Cardiologist reveals the best dinner for heart health

Heart health depends largely on diet, along with genetics and habits like avoiding cigarettes, reducing stress, and getting regular exercise.

Cardiologist Kunal Lal from Miami - USA, says that the most important thing is to choose foods that are truly good for the heart.

"It's important that the food we eat is heart-healthy. The goal is to follow a diet low in sodium, trans fat, and saturated fat to reduce risks like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease," he told EatingWell.

Only when these recommendations are applied to the plate can one see what a heart-healthy meal looks like.

According to him, one of the best dinners for heart health is baked salmon with smoked chickpeas and leafy greens. This meal combines healthy fats, lower sodium, fiber, and nutrient-dense plant-based foods.

Cardiologist Lal says this type of dinner offers a balance of key ingredients and shows what a heart-healthy dinner looks like in practice, and it's easy to prepare at home.

"A diet rich in fiber is important because it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease."

Salmon is particularly beneficial as it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Lal explains that fish rich in omega-3 fats are a great addition because of their known ability to lower triglycerides in the body.

Omega-3 fats can also help reduce inflammation, which can slow the process of artery blockage and have a positive effect on blood pressure, cholesterol, insulin resistance, and triglycerides.

This meal is also relatively low in sodium, which is a silent killer in the diet, and reducing it significantly improves heart health. Spices and herbs are used in place of salt to provide flavor, while chickpeas and kale add valuable fiber.

Cardiologist Lal encourages including more vegetables, building a balanced plate, and using healthy fats like olive oil. He also recommends adding salt-free flavors, such as citrus fruits, vinegar, herbs, and spices.