The food choices you make can drastically affect your heart health. Keep your heart in good shape with choices that are tasty and healthy.

 

Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain a solid dose of heart-healthy vitamin C and are rich in lycopene. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant, protecting your cells from damage which long term will maintain good heart health.

Salmon

When you serve salmon you will keep your blood pumping and your heart in prime shape. Studies show consuming fish regularly each week is associated with a 30 percent lower risk of developing coronary heart disease over the long term. Cold water fish, such as salmon, contain omega-3 fats, lower levels of harmful lipid levels. Omega-3s also lower blood pressure slightly and can help prevent irregular heart rhythms, while also reducing inflammation throughout the body.

Nuts

This includes  almonds , walnuts , peanuts and pistachios, all of which contain good-for-your-heart fibre. They also contain vitamin E, which helps lower bad cholesterol. And some, like walnuts, are high in omega-3 fatty acids. You just have to be mindful on the quantities you eat as they are a calorie dense food.

Dark chocolate

A number of studies have now shown that dark chocolate may benefit your heart. The findings applied only to dark chocolate, meaning chocolate made up of at least 60-70% cocoa. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids called polyphenols, which may help blood pressure, clotting, and inflammation.

Blueberries

Inflammation in your artery walls can increase the risk of a heart attack. You can counter that process by eating some every day. Their inflammation-battling antioxidants are the heroes here. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen berries work. I like to add them with my Greek yoghurt.