It’s no secret that your diet can greatly impact your health. In addition to playing a crucial role in your weight, the foods you eat can also make or break the health of your heart. While you may commonly hear about the worst foods you should cut down on, it also helps to add heart-healthy foods to the mix. As it turns out, there are several fruits that could have a positive impact on your cardiovascular health.
To discover a few of the best options out there, we spoke to Alex Foxman, M.D., F.A.C.P. He told us that oranges, berries, and apples make fantastic, heart-healthy additions to your diet. Learn more about the benefits of each of these fruits below.
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1. Oranges
Good news for citrus lovers! According to Dr. Foxman, oranges can do wonders for your heart. "These citrus fruits are rich in flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties," he explains. "Flavonoids may help lower blood pressure and prevent atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries." Perfect!
Just remember that choosing whole oranges, rather than opting for orange juice, is your best bet. Many fruit juices are packed with sugar and devoid of nutrients; the real deal will allow you to reap the most benefits.
2. Berries
Berries are some of the best fruits for your overall health. They're loaded with benefits! This is especially true when it comes to your heart. "Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, are packed with anthocyanins, which are pigments that give them their vibrant colors," Dr. Foxman tells us. "Anthocyanins may protect the blood vessels from damage and reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that eating berries can lower the risk of heart attack and improve blood pressure." Amazing!
3. Apples
You know what they say: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. While this crunchy fruit certainly isn't a cure for all of your health issues, they could be good for your heart. "Apples are a good source of soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and prevent plaque formation in the arteries," Dr. Foxman says. "Apples also contain polyphenols, which are plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Polyphenols may modulate the activity of enzymes involved in blood clotting and blood vessel dilation." Plus, they're delicious—wins all around!
The bottom line
While many factors can affect the health of your heart, your diet is one of the most important things to consider. In addition to avoiding artery-clogging foods, adding these fruits to your meals is one great way to promote a healthier heart—and, ultimately, a healthier body overall.
READ MORE: 3 Things To Stop Doing Because They Could Lead To Heart Disease
