Your heart is responsible for moving blood throughout the body, maintaining your blood pressure and keeping you alive. Since the heart is such a vital organ, it needs to stay healthy — and your diet plays an important role in that.
Everyone from the American Heart Association to the US Department of Health and Human Services recommends making specific food choices to support a healthy heart. Because foods for heart health can reduce other potential cardiovascular issues — like high blood pressure and high cholesterol — it’s worth keeping that in mind as you plan your weekly meals.
Keep reading to find out what foods to look for, what foods you’re probably already eating and what a heart-healthy diet looks like overall.
Studies have revealed two things: foods that are riskier for your heart and foods that strengthen it. Fortunately, you’re not about to get hit with a bunch of curveballs. The best foods for heart health are ones you probably already think of as healthy. Similarly, the not-so-heart-healthy foods are probably already on your radar for not doing your body any favors.
Before we dive in here, let’s say: everything in moderation. Unless you already know you have a heart health issue, you don’t need to cut out any foods or make drastic changes. We’re not saying you can never have another piece of bacon or crack open another soda. Instead, being mindful of what a heart-healthy diet looks like can help you incorporate more of those foods into your meals.
Now, let’s talk details. According to the AHA and Department of Health, a heart-healthy diet is rich in:
Produce
Lean proteins
Fiber-rich complex carbs
Healthy fats
A diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy proteins and fats will give your body the fiber, vitamins and minerals it needs to support a healthy heart.