NHS doctor says two snacks 'could reduce heart disease risk by 10%'

NHS doctor says two snacks 'could reduce heart disease risk by 10%' Heart disease is a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications but an NHS doctor says your risk can be reduced by making simple changes to your diet. Numerous conditions can impact the heart, from mild discomfort such as chest pain to life-threatening events including heart attacks or strokes. The British Heart Foundation estimates that around 7.6 million people are living with heart or circulatory diseases in the UK, accounting for more than 170,000 deaths annually. While some individuals are born with heart conditions, for many others they develop gradually and can be influenced by lifestyle choices. Insufficient regular physical activity, smoking and an unhealthy diet high in salt can all contribute to someone developing heart disease. However, even those with existing health conditions such as diabetes face an increased risk of developing heart disease, and the warning signs can be difficult to identify, from feelings of tiredness to breathlessness and leg swelling, reports Surrey Live. These are all indicators that someone may have developed, or be at risk of developing heart disease, which occurs when fats, cholesterol and other substances accumulate and create plaque in the arteries. This accumulation of plaque, called atherosclerosis, subsequently restricts blood flow to the heart and other areas of the body, though you're at greater risk of developing it if you already have conditions such as high cholesterol or blood pressure. Elevated cholesterol and blood pressure are two conditions that can be readily managed through dietary changes, and one NHS doctor has revealed a budget-friendly snack that can cut the risk of heart disease by 10%. In a video shared on Instagram, Dr Karan Rajan explained that a "cup of raspberries and a handful of almonds is associated with a 10 percent lower risk of heart disease". Fruit has been proven to help reduce your chances of developing heart disease, with berries being particularly rich in antioxidants. Raspberries are especially notable as an excellent source of potassium, which is vital for heart function, as it can help bring down blood pressure. Packed with vitamin E, magnesium and fibre, almonds can assist in regulating blood pressure, and research has demonstrated that consuming just one handful of almonds daily can help lower cholesterol levels. Combined, they create an anti-inflammatory snack that's packed with essential nutrients, helping to manage conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol — two of the primary drivers of heart disease. This wallet-friendly and convenient snack costs under £5 and offers long-term health benefits — a punnet of raspberries is £2.50 at Sainsbury's, while a bag of unsalted almonds is £1.69 at Aldi.