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A great start to a heart healthy diet is salmon, which is high in omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 reduces inflammation ” a condition that damages blood vessels and leads to heart disease. Salmon is great grilled and topped with herbs for a delicious meal. It can also be cut up in a salad, or placed in a corn tortilla with a squeeze of lime, your favorite vegetables and salsa for a scrumptious taco.

Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, for they are nature-s answer to keeping the heart healthy. Berries, especially blueberries, are beneficial to the heart because among other benefits, they contain anthocyanins, which help support the vascular system. There are endless uses for berries. They can be added to whole grain pancakes, used as a topping for yogurt or even over your favorite whole grain cereal. They also taste great as a snack on their own. There are a wide variety of vegetables you can include in your diet that help with heart function. Spinach and carrots top the list, with high levels of vitamin C and beta carotene, which, among other benefits, can prevent LDL cholesterol from forming plaque on artery walls. They make a great addition to almost any salad.

Adding nuts to your diet is another tasty way to help your heart. Almonds top the list with their high content of vitamin E, and a variety of nutrients, all of which keep the arteries clear and the blood flowing. Walnuts, pistachios and cashews are also good choices. Chopped nuts can be used as a topping for a wide variety of foods, which may include salads, grilled fish, frozen yogurt and whole grain muffins. Always take into consideration that, while healthy for the heart, they are also high in fat, so should be eaten in moderation.