When it comes to maintaining a healthy heart, diet plays a critical role. Incorporating heart-healthy foods into your diet can help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other heart-related complications.

Here are some of the top foods that can help keep your heart healthy:.

1. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help improve cardiovascular health.

They are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for people looking to maintain a healthy weight and reduce their risk of heart disease.

2. Berries

Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are packed with heart-healthy antioxidants called anthocyanins. These antioxidants help protect against inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage the heart and lead to heart disease.

In addition, berries are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent snack choice for people looking to maintain a healthy weight.

3. Fatty Fish

Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and lower triglycerides, which are a type of fat that can accumulate in the blood and increase the risk of heart disease.

In addition, eating fish can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

4. Whole Grains

Whole grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa are packed with fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. In addition, they are a good source of vitamins and minerals that are important for heart health.

5. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are rich in heart-healthy nutrients like fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E.

Eating nuts and seeds regularly can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of heart disease.

6. Avocado

Avocado is a great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.

In addition, avocados are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them an excellent choice for maintaining heart health.

7. Legumes

Legumes like chickpeas, lentils, and beans are an excellent source of fiber, protein, and other nutrients that are important for heart health. Eating legumes regularly can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

8. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to improved heart health. Eating tomatoes regularly can help reduce inflammation in the body, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

9. Garlic

Garlic contains compounds that can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve heart health. Eating garlic regularly can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

10. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavanols, which have been linked to improved heart health. Eating dark chocolate in moderation can help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce the risk of heart disease.