If you were to stock your kitchen full of heart-healthy foods , leafy greens , nuts , beans and salmon are some great ones to start with. Another top food for heart health is berries. Berries may be small, but they’re packed with nutrients that benefit cardiovascular health.
All types of berries (besides poisonous ones, of course) are good for heart health and it’s best to eat a wide variety to get a good mix of nutrients. But if you want to prioritize one type of berry with heart health in mind, cardiologists are in agreement on which type to go for.
Related: This Is the #1 Sign That Someone Has a Healthy Heart, According to Cardiologists Why Are Berries Good for Heart Health?
Cardiologist Dr. Satjit Bhusri, MD FACC , says there are a few reasons why berries are so beneficial for heart health. One major reason is that they are high in antioxidants. “Berries are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, ellagic acid and resveratrol, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease ,” he explains.
Dr. Siyab Panhwar, MD, an interventional cardiologist at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center in Bemidji, Minnesota, says that berries are full of nutrients and minerals that benefit the heart, including vitamin A, C and E (which are all antioxidants). “Antioxidants are substances that can help reduce inflammation by countering damaging free radicals and help protect against cell damage. Inflammation and free radicals increase the risk of heart disease,” he explains, echoing Dr. Bhusri about their importance for heart health.
Related: Your Live-Well Guide to Maintaining Heart Health and Preventing Heart Disease
Another nutrient that makes berries such a good food for cardiovascular health is fiber. Fiber isn’t just important for gut health; the heart benefits from it too. “[Berries] are high in fiber, particularly soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and promote heart health,” Dr. Bhusri says. To this point, scientific research shows that a high-fiber diet is associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease. This is especially important information considering that the vast majority […]
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