Our heart is a vital organ – obviously. Keeping it healthy should be high on your list of priorities. It’s important to know which foods are the best for heart health so you can incorporate them into your diet.

Salmon

Man, this fish is great for so many health aspects. Those Omega-3 fatty acids are a miracle health enhancer. I used to loathe the taste of salmon but have learned to like it, (through preparing it with spices, of course). You can train your taste-buds to get used to anything and one of those foods should absolutely be salmon. Those Omega-3’s keep help keep blood flowing well and lower triglycerides which, if too high, can lead to heart disease. Omega 3’s = Heart Healthy <3

Yogurt

Another food that used to creep me out, (after looking at the moving bacteria under a microscope in high school – eek). I’ve since moved past that though, through understanding those moving little guys under the microscope are good bacteria. And, since I’ve started eating it again, I truly do like the taste. It is high in potassium, which can aid in lowering your blood pressure – something your heart will thank you for.

My favorite yogurt and current snack obsession: Friendly Farms Nonfat Greek Yogurt with fruit on the bottom. I also really enjoy Oikos Greek Nonfat Yogurt.

Chickpeas

A super healthy food packed full of fiber, that’s also heart healthy. They help lower bad cholesterol and also have many other health benefits that I will go into detail about in a later post. (Try hummus if you’re new to chickpeas).

Sweet Potatoes

They are full of vitamin A and fiber. They are a good food to consume for overall heart health. Cut some up like you would regular potatoes and toss them in the crock pot with some chicken. They are a great side.

Oranges

These sweet little fruits contain potassium, (aids in controlling blood pressure), and has been thought to increase blood-vessel health. (According to WebMD). They are also a great food to eat pre-workout 🙂

Tomatoes

Lucky for me, I LOVE tomatoes. They are one of my go-to snacks. They contain vitamins A and C and also have potassium. They have been connected to heart health and this has been confirmed by many doctors. Read more about Tomatoes and their connection to heart health here.

Olive Oil

I prefer to use extra-virgin olive oil when I cook. However, olive oil is far better for the heart than using butter or other nasty cooking oils. A great, easy health swap is to simply stop using cooking sprays. Use olive oil instead when cooking.

Broccoli

Lots of Green vegetables are great for heart health, (as well as general health). Broccoli is a diverse vegetable that can be a great side to any meal. It has vitamin C, calcium and fiber, so it’s a great heart healthy food choice.

Garlic

Garlic is an excellent addition to most meals and good news – it’s been said to aid in preventing heart disease. (And, also boosts your immune system). Overall a healthy option to add to meals 🙂

Raisins

Another one of my go-to healthy snacks, (especially during my nighttime cravings). Raisins aid in gum health and also help to lower blood pressure.

Spinach

A salad-staple for me – it’s another green vegetable that has many benefits. It’s high in iron and also aids in lowering cholesterol.

Other Heart-Healthy Foods:

• Walnuts
• Almonds
• Red Wine
• Oatmeal
• Brown Rice
• Cantaloupe
• Tuna
• Carrots
• Asparagus
• Red Bell Peppers
• Berries
• Green Tea (Man, I love this stuff – SO healthy)

Other Tips to Maintain Heart Health:

• Exercise
• Maintain healthy vitamin D levels
• Reduce Sugar intake
• Keep an eye on your cholesterol
• Consume less salt
• Stop smoking
• Add Omega 3’s (Fish Oil) to your Vitamins/supplements

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and have just researched maintaining my own heart health through the advice of my own doctor and the results of studies and expert medical opinions. 

Keep that heart healthy and always keep living that healthy life 🙂

Read more about Eating for Heart Health from the American Heart Association