11 Best Heart Healthy Foods

By Andrea Cohen
Published 3/17/2023
In This Article
11 Best Heart Healthy Foods

When it comes to heart health, following a well-balanced diet is essential. Eating heart healthy foods, along with regular exercise and stress management, can help reduce your risk of heart disease. As an added benefit, a heart healthy diet is not only good for your heart, but it’s good for your overall health in many other ways.

So what types of foods are good for your heart? Here are 11 of the best heart healthy foods, along with heart healthy recipes that will satisfy your taste buds so you don’t have to suffer from the “healthy food blues.”

  1. 01

    Fish

    Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These have been shown to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart disease.

  2. 02

    Greens

    Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collard greens are packed with nutrients that help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

     

    • Spinach and Bell Pepper Frittata

      Heart Healthy Spinach and Bell Pepper Frittata
      60 mins

      Our gluten-free frittata recipe embraces the lively flavors of the Mediterranean. 

      View Recipe

    • Spinach Salad

      Heart Healthy Spinach Salad
      15 mins

      Try an easy, tangy spinach salad for a heart-healthy meal on the go. Chickpeas, walnuts, and feta cheese give this salad a hearty lift that’s perfect for the whole family. 

      View Recipe
  3. 03

    Berries

    Berries are rich in antioxidants that protect the heart from damage caused by free radicals. Berries also have a lot of cholesterol-lowering fiber.

  4. 04

    Nuts

    Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, are a great source of heart-healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Eating nuts has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

    • Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

      Heart Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
      60 mins

      Looking for a hearty, healthy treat on-the-go? Reach for an oat cranberry breakfast bar that’s loaded with fruits, nuts, and incredible flavor.

      View Recipe

    • Chocolate Almond Cookies

      Heart Healthy Chocolate Almond Cookies
      60 mins

      Our chocolatey almond cookies are made with pantry-friendly ingredients for a quick, satisfying bite of sweetness.

      View Recipe
  5. 05

    Whole Grains

    Whole grains, such as oats, quinoa, and brown rice, are high in fiber. Whole grains also contain essential vitamins and minerals that support heart health.

  6. 06

    Avocados

    Avocado is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium, all of which are important for heart health.

  7. 07

    Tomatoes

    Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects the heart from damage caused by free radicals.

  8. 08

    Legumes

    Legumes, such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas, are a great source of protein and fiber. This helps keep you fuller longer, helping with weight management, while also lowering cholesterol.

  9. 09

    Garlic

    Garlic contains compounds that help to reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels, making them one of the best heart healthy foods.

  10. 10

    Dark Chocolate

    Dark chocolate contains flavanols, which are antioxidants that improve blood flow. This can help lower blood pressure.

  11. 11

    Sweet Potatoes

    Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium and can lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol, which may reduce your odds of developing heart issues.

If you’re looking for a delicious way to be good to your heart, consider incorporating these foods into your diet as often as possible while limiting your intake of highly processed foods and those containing added sugars and saturated fat. These recipes for a healthy heart are a great place to start, but experiment with adding these foods to your favorite meals and snacks to give your heart health a boost. For more heart-healthy recipes, explore our website and discover a wealth of nutritious options.

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