5 Heart-Healthy Foods You’ll Really Love

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.

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What Is Moringa, and Is It Really Good For Me?

Q: What is moringa, and does it have major health benefits? A: Like many of the superfoods that take a turn in the spotlight (acai! matcha!), you may have heard that moringa is about to cure everything that ails you. After all, the plant is often referred to as “the miracle tree.” But while it does have a pretty impressive nutrient profile, adding it to your smoothies won’t magically guarantee good health. Here’s what you need to know. What is moringa? The moringa tree is native to South Asia and grows crazy fast in tough climate conditions. It produces “drumstick” pods, which are seeds that can be eaten like peas or pressed into oil. Its small, round leaves can also be eaten fresh, or dried and powdered. Most people in the U.S. ingest the leaves as a powder added to smoothies. Practitioners of Ayurveda, India’s ancient system of medicine, believe the plant can help to prevent or alleviate symptoms in 300 diseases, which brings us to … What are moringa’s actual benefits? Western medicine definitely hasn’t come close to verifying moringa’s ability to prevent all those diseases (there are, in fact, very few top-notch clinical studies on the plant), but moringa does have a lot going for it nutritionally. It delivers high doses of iron, vitamin C, potassium, and calcium. Some studies have shown it may fight inflammation and it also contains lots of powerful antioxidants. Research has also shown it may reduce some risk factors for diabetes and heart disease, and it has many other promising potential medicinal uses. The takeaway? Moringa is certainly good for you, but it’s no magic bullet and isn’t easy to find. If you want to buy a green powder that lists it as an ingredient and boost your smoothie with it, go for it. But if you’re eating lots of dark, leafy greens and antioxidant-rich berries, you’ll also be fine without it. Remember that supplementing your diet with the most nutrient-rich foods is just one small component of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. RELATED: If You Want to Lose Weight and Be Healthier and Happier, Nutrition Is Just the Beginning (Image: Shutterstock)