Heart-healthy foods are the most important foods you can eat.
There’s no way to explain it other than to say your heart is the heart of your body. It’s so important it is the metaphor used to explain how important other things are. What else could beat the power of pumping blood to sustain life?
Plus, heart disease is still the leading cause of death for both men and women in the US, so embracing habits that reduce your risk is a really good idea.
Here’s what you can do: avoid foods that harden arteries and block blood flow (like fried foods and trans fats) and fill your plate with produce and whole grains. These five heart-healthy foods, in particular, have major circulatory cred.
5 Heart-Healthy Foods
1. Salmon
Wild salmon is rich in omega-3s, fatty acids that are associated with reducing various risk factors linked to heart disease, like high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and blood clotting.
2. Almonds
Research has shown almonds are associated with lowering levels of bad LDL cholesterol, a marker linked to heart disease.
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a natural carotenoid that’s been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in many studies. That may be because it affects risk factors like blood pressure and chronic inflammation. Tip: Cooked tomatoes contain more lycopene than raw.
4. Berries
You’ve probably heard blueberries and strawberries are one of the best sources of antioxidants. Studies have also shown they may protect heart health on many different levels.
5. Whole grains
Fiber found in whole (and ancient!) grains is great for your heart. In fact, a research review of 45 studies found eating three servings a day could reduce your risk of heart disease by 22 percent.