Heart-Healthy Foods You Need To Start Eating

There’s more to keeping your heart healthy than just avoiding fast food or processed food. Choose foods with heart-healthy nutrition which can help reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. 

Here are some heart-healthy foods to start eating today: 

Dark Chocolate 

Chocolate made up of at least 60 – 70% cocoa may benefit your heart as it contains flavonoids called polyphenols, which may help with blood pressure and inflammation. 

Oatmeal 

Oatmeal is high in soluble fiber, which can lower cholesterol. It acts as a sponge in the digestive tract and soaks up the cholesterol so it is eliminated from the body and not absorbed into the bloodstream. 

Potatoes

Potatoes are rich in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. They’re also high in fiber, which can lower the risk for heart disease. 

Tomatoes

Like potatoes, tomatoes are high in heart-healthy potassium and lycopene, which has been linked to lower incidence of stroke. Lycopene is a carotenoid that may help lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and lower heart attack risk. 

Avocado

Rich in monounsaturated fat and high in antioxidants, avocados are known to help lower cholesterol. 

Pomegranate 

This fruit contains numerous antioxidants, including polyphenols and anthocyanins, which may help stave off hardening of the arteries. 

Salmon 

Fatty fishes such as salmon, sardines and mackerel contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids to help decrease triglycerides and risk of atherosclerosis. It is recommended to consume fatty fish at least twice a week.