Top Foods for a Healthy Heart

Staying in top shape does not just include working out. You can workout for hours on hours everyday and still not be in pristine health. While exercise is an important aspect in your health, you need to make sure that your diet has your health in mind as well. Most importantly, eating foods that are good for your heart can be a life changer. So many people are prone to getting heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart attacks with unhealthy eating. Making sure that your heart is strong and healthy should be a top priority for everyone. We've put together a list of ten heart healthy foods that are a must-eat to make sure that your heart is getting all the proper nutrients to live a strong, and healthy life.

Salmon

Salmon contains a large amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, which help build a strong and healthy heart. It can reduce the risk of an irregular heart beat and plaque build-up in your arteries.

Oatmeal

A heart-healthy food, oatmeal is a nutrient powerhouse that is filled with fiber. The oatmeal will soak up cholesterol from your digestive tract so that it is not in the bloodstream.

Potatoes 

As long as you don't count french fries or oily and salty hash browns as "potatoes" then this vegetable is extremely heart healthy. Potatoes are filled with potassium that can help lower blood pressure and fiber that fights against heart disease. 

Dark Chocolate

You can have sweets too? That's right, chocolate can actually be good for your heart, just make sure it's dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. The dark chocolate can help reduce blood pressure, clotting, and inflammation.  

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and phytoestogens to boost heart health. 

Pomegranate 

This heart healthy fruit contains a number of antioxidants including heart-promoting polyphenols and anthocyanins which may help prevent hardening of the arteries.

Tomatoes

Low in sugar and calories, tomatoes are high in heart-healthy potassium that helps get rid of bad cholesterol. They will help open your blood vessels and lower your risk of heart attack.  

Apples

You've heard the phrase before, "An apple a day, keeps the doctor away." That phrase may just hold true as apples play a key role in preventing bad cholesterol from triggering a series of events that result in the buildup of plaque in arteries and inflammation. 

Berries

Berries have proven to increase the level of good cholesterol and lower blood pressure. These sweet fruity treats help relax blood vessels, which subsequently results in lowered blood pressure.

Popcorn

Get poppin'! Popcorn is a whole grain that can help you get a leaner body and help lower your risk of heart disease compared to people who do not eat whole grains. This fun snack delivers antioxidants linked to improving heart health. Just be sure to not overload on salt and butter.