Eating for Heart Health

A heart-shaped bowl of raspberries

It’s essential to have a healthy heart if you want to enjoy life for the long-term. You want to have energy for your work and play. You don’t want to worry about cardiovascular disease slowing you down or reducing your life expectancy. Eating right is important at any age for heart health.

Top Choice: Get Those Omega 3s

Studies have shown that omega-3s help your heart by keeping the blood flowing. They reduce high cholesterol and prevent clots. Top choices for this nutrient are salmon, tuna, mackerel and other fish.

Get Nutty

Walnuts have a different type of omega-3, and they are good for your heart as well. You can also snack on almonds and cashews. Even pistachios are a good choice. The one thing to note is nuts are higher in calories, so a handful goes a long way.

Have a Berry Good Day

Eat plenty of berries for your heart. Blueberries are antioxidants, which help remove free radicals from your body while providing fiber. Raspberries, strawberries and blackberries are also good options. Add them to smoothies or on cereal to start your day out right.

Don’t Neglect Dairy

Many people tend to stay away from dairy products because they are high in calories. However, low-fat yogurt and skim milk are good for you because they contain potassium. Potassium helps to lower your blood pressure.

Get Sweet on Dark Chocolate

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll feel good about this option. Dark chocolate is full of flavanols, which works as an antioxidant and helps lower blood pressure.

Start eating healthy now even if you have no heart problems, and you’ll help your heart continue to work its best for the long-term.