There really is an abundance of fruits and vegetables in many colors, shapes, sizes that are good for your heart. You can definitely reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease by eating these foods every day.
25 Top Heart-Healthy Foods
1. Salmon Nutrients: Omega-3 fatty acids.
Menu Idea: Grill salmon with a yummy rub or marinade. Save a chunk to chop for a pasta or salad later on.
2. Flaxseed (ground) Nutrients: Omega-3 fatty acids; fiber, phytoestrogens.
Menu Idea: Ground flaxseed hides easily in all sorts of foods -- yogurt parfaits, morning cereal, homemade muffins, or cookies.
3. Oatmeal Nutrients: Omega-3 fatty acids; magnesium; potassium; folate; niacin; calcium; soluble fiber.
Menu Idea: Top hot oatmeal with fresh berries. Oatmeal-and-raisin cookies are a hearty treat.
4. Black or Kidney Beans Nutrients: B-complex vitamins; niacin; folate; magnesium; omega-3 fatty acids; calcium; soluble fiber.
Menu Idea: Give soup or salad a nutrient boost -- stir in some beans.
5. Almonds Nutrients: Plant omega-3 fatty acids; vitamin E; magnesium; fiber; heart-favorable mono- and polyunsaturated fats; phytosterols.
Menu Idea: Mix a few almonds (and berries) into low-fat yogurt, trail mix, or fruit salads.
6. Walnuts Nutrients: Plant omega-3 fatty acids; vitamin E; magnesium; folate; fiber; heart-favorable mono- and polyunsaturated fats; phytosterols.
Menu Idea: Walnuts add flavorful crunch to salads, pastas, cookies, muffins, even pancakes.
7. Red wine Nutrients: Catechins and reservatrol (flavonoids).
Menu Idea: Toast your good health! A glass of red wine could improve "good" HDL cholesterol.
8. Tuna Nutrients: Omega-3 fatty acids; folate; niacin.
Menu Idea: Here's lunch: Salad greens, fresh fruit, canned tuna. Keep "Salad Spritzer" - a light dressing -- in your office fridge.
9. Tofu Nutrients: Niacin; folate; calcium; magnesium; potassium.
Menu Idea: Tasty tofu is easy: Thinly slice "firm" tofu, marinate several hours, grill or stir-fry.
10. Brown rice Nutrients: B-complex vitamins; fiber; niacin; magnesium, fiber.
Menu Idea: Microwavable brown rice makes a quick lunch. Stir in a few chopped veggies (broccoli, carrots, spinach).
11. Soy milk Nutrients: Isoflavones (a flavonoid); B-complex vitamins; niacin; folate, calcium; magnesium; potassium; phytoestrogens.
Menu Idea: Soy milk is great over oatmeal or whole-grain cereal. Or, make a smoothie with soy milk.
12. Blueberries Nutrients: Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); anthocyanin (a flavonoid); ellagic acid (a polyphenol); vitamin C; folate; calcium, magnesium; potassium; fiber.
Menu Idea: Cranberries, strawberries, raspberries are potent, too -- for trail mixes, muffins, salads!
13. Carrots Nutrients: Alpha-carotene (a carotenoid); fiber.
Menu Idea: Baby carrots are sweet for lunch. Sneak shredded carrots into spaghetti sauce or muffin batter.
14. Spinach Nutrients: Lutein (a carotenoid); B-complex vitamins; folate; magnesium; potassium; calcium; fiber.
Menu Idea: Pick spinach (not lettuce) for nutrient-packed salads and sandwiches.
15. Broccoli Nutrients: Beta-carotene (a carotenoid); Vitamins C and E; potassium; folate; calcium; fiber.
16. Sweet potato Nutrients: Beta-carotene (a carotenoid); vitamins A, C, E; fiber.
Menu Idea: Microwave in a zip-lock baggie for lunch. Eat au naturale, or with pineapple bits.
17. Red bell peppers Nutrients: Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex vitamins; folate; potassium; fiber.
Menu Idea: Rub with olive oil, and grill or oven-roast until tender. Delicious in wraps, salads, sandwiches.
18. Asparagus Nutrients: Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex vitamins; folate; fiber.
Menu Idea: Grill or steam slightly, then dress with olive oil and lemon. It's a pretty side dish.
19. Oranges Nutrients: Beta-cryptoxanthin, beta- and alpha-carotene, lutein (carotenoids) and flavones (flavonoids); vitamin C; potassium; folate; fiber.
Menu Idea: Got orange juice? Check out the new nutrient-packed blends.
20. Tomatoes Nutrients: Beta- and alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein (carotenoids); vitamin C; potassium; folate; fiber.
Menu Idea: For a flavor twist, try oil-packed tomatoes in sandwiches, salads, pastas, pizzas.
21. Acorn squash Nutrients: Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex and C vitamins; folate; calcium; magnesium; potassium; fiber.
Menu Idea: Baked squash is comfort food on a chilly day. Serve with sauteed spinach, pine nuts, raisins.
22. Cantaloupe Nutrients: Alpha- and beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex and C vitamins; folate; potassium; fiber.
Menu Idea: A fragrant ripe cantaloupe is perfect for breakfast, lunch, potluck dinners. Simply cut and enjoy!
23. Papaya Nutrients: Beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein (carotenoids); Vitamins C and E; folate; calcium; magnesium; potassium.
Menu Idea: Serve papaya salsa with salmon: Mix papaya, pineapple, scallions, garlic, fresh lime juice, salt and black pepper.
24. Dark chocolate Nutrients: Reservatrol and cocoa phenols (flavonoids).
Menu Idea: A truffle a day lowers blood pressure, but choose 70% or higher cocoa content.
25. Tea Nutrients: Catechins and flavonols (flavonoids).
Menu Idea: Make sun tea: Combine a clear glass jar, several tea bags, and hours of sunshine.
