AVOCADOS
Avocados are full of healthy monounsaturated fats and are a source of potassium, a mineral also known for controlling blood pressure, according to Bridget Swinney, a Texas-based registered dietitian. “They are also a great source of vitamin C, fiber and carotenoids,” Swinney says. “Carotenoids have been associated with a decreased risk of death from cardiovascular disease.” In addition to offering a beneficial dose of fiber, avocados have been shown to help the body absorb other antioxidants when eaten with veggies such as spinach and carrots, she says.
OATMEAL
Whole grains will keep your heart healthy and help you to maintain your weight, a necessary heart-healthy action considering that obesity is a risk factor for heart disease and heart-related complications. Start your day off with a bowl of oatmeal, suggests registered dietitian Bridget Swinney. “At least half the grains in your diet should be whole grains, but the more the better,” she says. “Whole grains are more filling, they help you eat less and thus they help with weight control. Whole grains have also been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke.”
BERRIES
Packed full of antioxidants, berries are a great snack choice to keep your heart healthy. Berries increase good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol while lowering your blood pressure. In addition, the low-calorie, fat-free fruit (in any form: fresh, frozen, dried or cooked) contains nutrients that promote bone growth and the conversion of fat to energy. “These little cancer fighters combat oxidation and inflammation and should be eaten daily,” Frey says. As if that’s not enough, the hardworking fruit possess polyphenols, which have been shown to increase levels of nitric oxide, a molecule that causes blood vessels to relax.
WALNUTS
As a convenient snack in a bag or on top of a salad, walnuts boost your heart functions with healthy omega-3 fats and antioxidants. “Eating two ounces a day has been shown to improve blood vessel function among people with diabetes and also protect people from heart disease who are at risk for it,” says Bridget Swinney, a Texas-based registered dietitian and the author of “Eating Expectantly: The Practical and Tasty Guide to Prenatal Nutrition.” Swinney points out that a handful of nuts has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels and help satisfy hunger.