During February’s Heart Month observance, Mercy Health, a leading heart care provider, notes six heart-healthy foods you can add to your diet. These foods, when combined with exercise and healthy living can help to lower your risk for heart disease, stroke and high cholesterol.

Blueberries

This antioxidant-rich superfood tops the list for heart health. Our bodies often can’t produce as many antioxidants as we need. By helping neutralize harmful byproducts of metabolism called free radicals, antioxidants help reduce problems that can affect our hearts, eyes, memories and immune systems. Blueberries are also a great source of vitamin K and C, manganese, fiber and copper. Whether fresh, frozen or dried, aim for one cup of blueberries a day. Blackberries, black raspberries, black currants and red grapes offer similar benefits.

Avocados

Avocados are one of the best heart-healthy foods for your diet. Adding avocado to your sandwich or salad provides a healthy dose of monosaturated fat, which helps lower LDL levels and raise HDL cholesterol. Most of the fat in avocado is oleic acid, which is also the main fat source of olive oil. Oleic acid has been linked to reducing inflammation and blood pressure as well as helping with weight loss.

Yogurt

Research found that adults who consumed yogurt and yogurt drinks had the healthiest gums. Because gum disease can lead to heart disease, adding yogurt to your diet helps protect your heart. In addition to reducing bacteria in your mouth, the probiotics in yogurt also help improve digestion, boost immunity and reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

Whole grains

You’ve likely heard that whole grains are better for you than refined breads and pastas. However, did you know that many of those benefits relate to your heart? Rich in dietary fiber, whole gains can help improve blood cholesterol levels and lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Examples of heart-healthy whole grains are whole oats, brown rice, whole-grain barley, whole-wheat bulgur and whole wheat flour.

Salmon

Eating two servings of fatty fish per week can help reduce your risk for a heart attack. Fatty fish such as salmon, lake trout, sardines and tuna contain the most omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fats that help reduce inflammation, which can lead to damaged blood vessels, heart disease and stroke. If wild-caught fish is not easily available to you, fish oil supplements can also improve heart health. The great news is that salmon can be very easy to prepare — try this easy fish recipe for one of your next weeknight meals – https://blog.mercy.com/easy-salmon-and-tilapia-recipe/.

Dark chocolate

While we don’t recommend binging on candy bars or cupcakes, there is one heart-healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoying dark chocolate in moderation helps protect your cardiovascular system. This reduces blood pressure and cholesterol and can also help you lose weight and increase your ability to exercise. Rich in antioxidants, flavonoids and flavanols, eating dark chocolate helps improve blood flow to the brain and heart, making blood platelets less likely to clot. Just be sure to look for dark chocolate that is minimally processed and has a cocoa content of 70 percent or higher.

Other things you can do to keep your heart healthy? Quit smoking, limit exposure to second-hand smoke, stay active and aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

For more health tips and information, follow the Mercy Health Blog at https://blog.mercy.com/.