10 Healthy Heart Foods

Stay at your peak with these 10 healthy heart foods. Eating right helps a body stay fit and healthy. Choose the right foods, like these that  provide fuel for your body and optimal benefit from the calories eaten:

1. Berries. Berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries have been shown to protect the heart by preventing blood clots, reducing blood cholesterol, and blocking the growth of tumors.
2. Almonds. Nuts like almonds also provide the same benefits of berries because of the antioxidants and vitamins E and C.
3. Garlic. Foods like garlic and onions can be heart healthy by decreasing blood cholesterol, stimulating the immune system, and inhibiting the growth of cancer.
4. Tomatoes. Tomatoes contain antioxidants for good heart health as well as vitamin C. The red color of tomatoes, which is called lycopenes, may also help prevent prostate cancer. Tomatoes, one of the healthy heart foods, can reduce blood pressure and promote weight control.
5. Broccoli. Broccoli is a good detoxifying food, which promotes heart health. The sulforophanes found in this and other leafy greens can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
6. Soy products. Soy comes in many forms, such as soy protein bars, edamame or green soybeans, tofu, and soy milk. The benefits of soy include high levels of polyunsaturated fats, protein, and fiber, which all help the heart stay healthy. Soy is also known to help reduce hot flashes.
7. Watermelon. Watermelon is one of ten healthy heart foods that is a good source of soluble fiber and can help reduce obesity, which is good for a healthy heart. It also inhibits heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
8. Cabbage. Cabbage and other foods like broccoli, kale, Brussel sprouts, and cauliflower help deactivate residual estrogen and testosterone, and promote detoxification of carcinogens. Eating these healthy heart foods regularly is like insurance against disease.
   
9. Apples.  Apples are a good source of fiber, contain pectin, and vitamins C and E. Apples can help the elderly with memory function, help prevent fungal infections, as well as reduce cholesterol.
10. Citrus. Citrus fruits including grapefruit, oranges, lemons, limes aid the body in getting rid of carcinogens, improve chances of fertility, and inhibit heart disease.

Source:  A Bushel of Reasons to Eat Your Vegetables