Sometimes the best place to start is with the basics. Therefore, while your heart may have issues, if your diet is made up of fast food and low-quality, processed foods, then that needs to change.

The foods you consume can have a massive effect on your heart, so much so that you can avoid having to take pills or rely on surgical procedures and infusions. The only question left is: what are those foods?

Keep reading to learn about the best healthy foods that help with heart health!

How Does the Heart Work

Before we dive in to how we can improve our heart health, it is important to know how does the heart work.

When temperatures exceed the comfort level of an individual, the body begins to react and work toward regulating itself. One specific organ that plays a major role in this process is the heart.

The heart is a muscle that contracts and pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout our body, and heart health can be influenced by the severity of heat and cold.

1. Omega-3 Rich Foods

Eating foods rich in omega3 can help keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of certain illnesses. Omega3 fatty acids are essential for the body, as they help improve the health of cell membranes, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive and neurological functions.

Lastly, Omega3s are necessary for the body to properly absorb and properly use the nutrients that come from food.

2. Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are packed full of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and antioxidants, which can help you maintain a healthy heart. Eating a variety of brightly colored fruits and vegetables every day can also provide your body with an abundance of minerals and vitamins that your body needs.

3. Whole Grains

Whole grains provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than other food sources like white flour and white rice. Fiber helps to reduce bad cholesterol, decrease inflammation and improve digestion. Whole grains have been proven to reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, coronary artery disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Whole grains can be found in many different forms - cracked, rolled, or steel cut oats, bulgur wheat, brown rice, barley and quinoa.

4. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are packed with heart benefits like vitamins and minerals. They are heart healthy foods and can lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and reduce risk factors for heart disease. Studies suggest that eating two ounces per day of nuts and seeds can reduce the risk of death from coronary heart disease.

Additionally, their plant-based protein and fiber content helps slow down digestion and can reduce hunger cravings.

5. Healthy Fats

Healthy fats in particular provide numerous health benefits, such as improving cholesterol levels and reducing your risk of heart disease. Healthy fats include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Some foods that are rich in healthy fats include avocados, olives, nuts, fatty fish, dark chocolate and extra virgin olive oil.

By incorporating these investments into your diet, you can provide your body with the essential fats it needs. Remember to talk to your doctor before making any major dietary changes.

Improve Your Heart Health Today

It's clear that incorporating healthy foods into your diet can have tremendous benefits for your heart health. Make small lifestyle changes by adding more fruits and vegetables, replacing red meats with fish and poultry, and reducing processed sugars. Making these changes will lead to improved health, so start now!

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