What Are the Best Foods for Heart Health?
Heart health may not be your number one priority every day, but it should be. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and many people aren’t doing enough to keep their tickers in tip-top shape. And though lifestyle changes like reducing your salt intake or watching less TV have been studied and proven to support heart health, the foods you include in your diet play a major role in lowering your risk for heart-related illness. We chatted with experts to gather the best foods for your heart so you can stock up stat.
The American Heart Association updated their guidelines over a year ago and included some insight into how what you eat and drink can impact your health and wellness when it comes to heart health. Though some research suggests vegetables may not prevent heart disease, most experts would disagree. In fact, a growing number of experts consistently recommend following the Mediterranean Diet or the DASH diet to support your heart.
“What’s good for your heart is good for your brain and good for you in general,” says Arthur Agatston, M.D., a cardiologist and founder of the South Beach Diet. The secret is in varying the types of fish, vegetables, whole grains, and other items you enjoy every day. With that in mind, we’ve compiled the 25 top foods for your heart—mix and match a handful of them every week to eat your way toward a healthier you.
Excerpted from Prevention
