'I'm a cardiologist - here's the one food you need to eat to cut heart attack risk'

A cardiologist has revealed one common food item that can help people cut the risk of suffering a . Dr Jay Shah shared that the benefits of this common item are linked to and .

The doctor, a chief medical officer at Hilo, also revealed other people can incorporate into their diets to help cut the terrifying risk of heart attacks and diseases. Dr Shah praised salmon for its benefits due to a special component that can help boost peoples heart health.

The cardiologist revealed this fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids "that can help reduce inflammation and support cholesterol levels", according to .

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Dietitian Rosie Carr, at healthy eating plan Second Nature, has even recommended a healthy way to cook the nutrients packed fish. She suggested baking salmon with a drizzle of lemon juice and herbs in the oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, or poaching it in a fragrant broth for a tender, moist result.

Smoked salmon is a favourite and the cardiologist revealed another morning go to which can have an amazing impact on the heart.

Oats can help lower "bad" cholesterol because they are high in soluble fibre, according to Dr Shah. The doctor said: "I often suggest overnight oats or porridge with berries as an easy daily option."

Carr also explained how the humble oat could help people keep their blood sugar at a health level. The dietitian said: "Whole grains like oats provide complex carbohydrates that help maintain steady blood sugar levels, preventing the inflammatory spikes that can damage blood vessels over time."

Leafy greens, like spinach and kale, can also be a great food to add into your diet for extra benefits. Carr said: "These foods are rich in dietary nitrates that convert to nitric oxide in the body, helping blood vessels dilate, improving blood flow, and lowering blood pressure.

"Regular consumption has been linked to improved exercise performance and cardiovascular function." Dr Shah also explained how these vegetables can have other benefits to our health.

The said: "Leafy greens are brilliant for their potassium content and they help to balance sodium levels in the body. They can be easily added to soups, stews or stir-fries as a healthy addition."

This advice comes after researchers discovered the timing of meals could have a huge impact on people heart health. Eating during the day could help reduce risks of heart attacks and heart disease.

Published in the journal Nature Communications, the study involved 20 healthy participants who spent two weeks in a controlled setting simulating night shifts, eating either at night or during the day.

The researchers then assessed the impact of meal timing on participants’ cardiovascular risk factors, such as markers of the autonomic nervous system, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (a substance that increases the risk of blood clots), and blood pressure. They found no negative effects on these risk factors in those who ate during the day.