Take heart
They may have had a bad press in the past, but these five foodstuffs can actually be good for your heart.
1. COFFEE
People who drink two or three cups of coffee a day have a lower heart disease risk than those who drink tea, but any more than this amount can raise blood pressure.
2. EGGS
Once reviled for being bad for our hearts, eggs are in favour again after recent studies showed that they contain a substance that actually blocks the absorption of cholesterol.
3. DARK CHOCOLATE
Dark chocolate can do no wrong at the moment: the latest study has revealed that it’s brimming with antioxidants, known as flavonoids, that prevent blood vessels from hardening – a significant factor in heart disease.
4. KETCHUP
Ketchup contains a highly concentrated amount of lycopene. This pigment, which gives tomatoes their red colour, has many health benefits: it’s an antioxidant that helps to prevent cell damage that leads to heart disease, and it also protects against breast and prostate cancer.
5. RED WINE
Red wine can reduce blood vessel damage caused by fatty deposits and help prevent blood clots – but only when drunk in moderation.