The Top 20 Foods for a Strong, Healthy Heart

Our hearts work harder than any other muscle in our bodies. They deserve TLC – in the form of a thoughtful diet – to stay strong and healthy. What you eat can greatly affect your cardiovascular health – and from our top 20 foods, it’s clear that fresh, whole foods are king.

1. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens have a long reputation for being heart healthy, and for a good reason – they’re full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin K, which helps protect arteries.

2. Avocado

Described by many as a heart-healthy fat, avocado is packed with monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium – a potent mineral that may lower blood pressure.

3. Berries

Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, contain polyphenols – plant compounds that may help prevent heart disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

4. Fatty Fish

Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which may improve heart health by decreasing inflammation and lowering blood pressure and triglycerides.

5. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds – making it an ideal food for a heart-healthy diet.

6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes, because of their lycopene content, may lower LDL cholesterol levels – and increased intake of lycopene-rich tomato sauce and paste may lower the risk of heart disease.

7. Green Tea

Green tea, rich in antioxidants that help protect the heart, appears to improve blood flow and reduce arterial stiffness.

8. Walnuts

Walnuts, chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and monounsaturated fats, may decrease inflammation in arteries and improve cholesterol levels.

9. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains flavanols that may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the heart and may lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

10. Broccoli

Forget brussels sprouts – broccoli is the new heart-healthy cruciferous vegetable. It’s packed with vitamin C, fiber, and sulforaphane – an anti-inflammatory compound.

11. Citrus Fruit

Citrus fruit, packed with vitamin C and flavonoids, may improve blood flow by increasing nitric oxide production.

12. Peas

Peas, classified as legumes, contain high levels of fiber, vitamins, and minerals – and consuming them may lower LDL cholesterol levels.

13. Lentils

Another heart-healthy legume, lentils contain large amounts of soluble fiber, which have benefited cholesterol levels by reducing levels of LDL cholesterol.

14. Pistachios

Pistachios not only taste fantastic – they contain multiple heart-boosting nutrients such as healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants such as lutein.

15. Quinoa

Rich in protein and fiber, the life-giving quinoa has foods such as granola beat with a significant contribution to a healthy heart.

16. Brown Rice

Research has shown sugar diets induced stroke and heart disease in mice; therefore, avoid loading up sugary intakes replacing with whole meals like chewy brown rice to achieve healthy heart results.

17. Oranges

Citrus powerhouses know oranges enjoy a special interest that helps blood vessels produce nitric oxide, thereby lowering blood pressure indexes.

18. Soy milk

Consumption of each cup of low-fat dairy, such as soy milk, may contribute to well-being rather than increment the risks connecting to cardiovascular disease.

19. Chia Seeds

If pudding likes your favorite dish, Chia seeds could do just right; adding this ingredient in avocados or berries produces optimal results that seem made for each other, as Chia seeds are low-cost fiber and omega-3 fatty acids that ultimately benefit the heart.

20. Chicken Breast

Adding a source of lean protein to your plate has been recognized as an excellent practice – unobserved, muscle-improving poultry which helps to decrease cholesterol levels and cut the risk of heart disease. Incorporate honey, soy or twist it in grated and barbequed dishes for increased taste.

In conclusion, what one adds to their meal plates influences heart-wise cardiac measures outright; incorporating all odds in one’s eating routine may confuse anyone – no elaborate diet to this life-bolstering regime. Complemented with daily physical exercises and consistent rest, these twenty deserving foods add a simple yet significant addition for that age-old adage “Health is Wealth.”