Best Heart-Healthy Foods

Since cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of the country, it’s more important than ever for folks to start really taking care of their tickers. While getting in some exercise every day, along with staying away from greasy burger joints, may be just what you need to keep your heart healthy, the following foods are also considered heart power-foods that can keep it pumping in prime condition.

So today why don’t you try one of the following to make your heart happy…

Garlic: According to a new study from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, garlic in its most raw, stinky form is best for your heart. It’s full of antioxidants that keep your blood vessels open and healthy. The benefits are reduced when the garlic is cooked, though.

Fresh Produce: A variety of colors are great for your diet. By eating a lot of fruits and veggies you can cut your risk of cardiovascular disease and protect your blood vessels from free radicals. Blueberries are especially good for this, as they are packed with nutrients and are considered a “superfood.”

Other great heart-healthy fruits include oranges, papaya, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, and cantaloupe.

As far as veggies go, carrots are packed with a heart-protecting carotenoid, alpha-carotene. Spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, acorn squash, red bell peppers, asparagus are all wonderful foods for your ticker.

Whole Grains: Brown rice, flaxseed and oatmeal are all great heart-healthy foods. You can even add some flaxseed to your oatmeal for a double-punch—then top it with some of the fruits above. Or, chop up a tomato or any of the veggies above and add it to your brown rice. Flaxseed can also be added to salads, cereals and smoothies.

Beans, Nuts and Legumes: While many protein sources, such as red meat, aren’t considered so great for your heart, others are thought of as heart health staples. Salmon, kidney beans, black beans, tuna, walnuts and almonds are all considered good for your heart.

Sweets: OK, so most sweets aren’t that good for you, but dark chocolate, full of flavonoids, is good for your heart in moderation. It should have at least a 70% cocoa content. A truffle a day would meet this nutritional advantage.

Beverages: You probably already know that red wine is full of flavonoids, too—and like chocolate, it should be had in moderation, such as a glass a day. Tea is also full of heart-healthy flavonoids.