9 Surprising Foods that Are Good for the Heart

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but let’s ruffle some feathers and dive, instead, into a culinary plot twist. Below is a list of heart-healthy foods that don’t get the distinction they deserve for keeping the ticker ticking.

1. The Dark Knight of the Candy World: Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is a confectionary delight that is also good for the heart. So, those Valentine treats are really healthy. That’s because dark chocolate is loaded with flavonoids – 

lowering the risk of heart disease by preserving the rebel cells that keep blood vessels galloping at full health. But don’t go turning your pantry into a choco-cache, as moderation is key. Think of this choco delight as your delicious dark little secret.

2. The Nutty Avenger: Walnuts

Nuts about nuts? Happily, walnuts are packed tighter than a rush-hour subway with omega-3 fatty acids – those righteous little compounds that help ward off the coronary villains that trigger heart disease. They also are loaded with antioxidants, ready to battle the oxidative stress that picks fights in your bloodstream. So, next time you feel like a snack, grab a handful of these brain-shaped wonders to keep your heart in working order.

3. The Bean Scene Stealer: Chickpeas

The humble chickpea doesn’t strut the red carpet of superfoods very often, preferring the understudy role in the melodrama of nutrition. But it deserves a standing ovation as these beige beauties are bursting with fiber, helping to keep your cholesterol low. 

4. The Buzzy Brew: Coffee

Java lovers, caffeinate your cheers! (Carefully, though, don’t spill the beans). The brew of the morning grump has a bean-shaped heart beneath its robust exterior. 

Moderate coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, so sip on that steaming cup of joe with gusto. Just keep the sugar and creamer at bay. You don’t want too much of a good thing.

5. The Berry Best of Friends: Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, acai berries – call them the Berry Godmothers of heart health. These juicy gems contain fiber and antioxidants that keep plaque from forming and lower the blood pressure at the same time for a heartfelt burst of nutrition.

6. Whole Wheat Pasta – A Carb-licious Companion

Carb connoisseurs, twirl your forks! When you are pining for some comfort food, reach for whole grains in the form of pasta to keep your insulin and blood sugar levels from throwing a tantrum. This heart-loving food also supports heart health with fiber and vitamins and minerals.

7. Sardines – A Snooty Bit of Nutrition

Slippery, small, and sometimes sniffed at with snobbery, sardines punch way above their weight class in Omega-3s, making them small but mighty champions of heart health. They tag team with calcium and vitamin D as well, ensuring your heart doesn’t miss out on the full nutritional benefits of these small but full-flavored fish.

8. Popcorn that is Air-Popped

Forget the theater-grade, butter-drenched kind of popcorn—that’s the heart’s Kryptonite. We’re talking about the air-popped, minimalist sort, seasoned with a bare whisper of salt. This puffed prince offers fiber and antioxidants, mingling in your bloodstream like a belle of the ball with her suitors.

9. Sauerkraut, the Fermented Crusader

Sauerkraut isn’t just a dance partner to bratwurst; it’s laden with probiotics that aid digestion and keep you in optimal health. Just watch for sodium sidekicks looking to crash the party. Choose low-sodium reuben sandwiches or dumplings or potatoes instead.

Final Thoughts

When you learn what foods are good for the heart, you can find some delicious dishes that are as hearty for your health as they are for snacks and meals. You can make some surprising discoveries when you focus on a heart-healthy diet. 

Learn More About Saving Lives as Well: Visit In-Pulse CPR and Check Out CPR/AED Training and AED Devices

You can also make a commitment to heart health by taking CPR/AED training online. Check out the onsite programs that are offered by In-Pulse CPR, which features popular onsite programs for anyone who lives in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota in the US. You can also buy automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on the site.

Author: Donna Ryan

Author Bio: Donna Ryan is a health writer who works in Tucson, AZ. She supports CPR/AED life-saving training programs like In-Pulse CPR. Make sure to click on the links in the above article to learn more about the training and certification.