Heart Healthy Foods

Every time a study is conducted, the link between diet and heart health grows stronger. What you eat can influence almost every aspect of heart health, from blood pressure and inflammation to cholesterol levels and triglycerides, as noted by the CDC in this article.

Here are some of our favorite foods which all have benefits that can help improve your heart health:

+ Leafy greens like spinach and kale are known for being packed with vitamins and antioxidants. They also have a ton of vitamin K, which helps protect your arteries and promote blood clotting.

+ Whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice, and quinoa, can decrease your risk of coronary heart disease by up to 20%!

+ Berries - strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc - are all rich in the type of antioxidants that protect against stress and inflammation.

+ Avocados are an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to reduced levels of cholesterol and a lower risk of heart disease.

+ Fatty fish like salmon and tuna are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids which are associated with a lower risk of heart disease and depression.

+ Walnuts are a great source of fiber and studies have shown they can help protect against heart disease. Almonds are incredibly nutrient-dense and are a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

+ Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can help lower your risk of heart disease - when eaten in moderation (less than six servings per week).

+ Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which has many therapeutic properties including reducing blood pressure.

+ Olive oil - the reason so many Italians live long, healthy lives! But seriously, olive oil is rich in antioxidants that decrease the risk of heart disease.

+ Green tea. You have heard us sing the praises of green tea before, and here it is again, listed as healthy for your heart since it contains antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and protect heart health.