A healthy diet is essential for a healthy heart.  Julia Zumpano, a member of the Preventative Cardiology Center at the Cleveland Clinic, says, “there really is an abundance of fruits and vegestables in many colors, shapes, sizes that are good for your heart.  You can definitely reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease by eating these foods every day."  Even things you wouldn't expect such as asparagus and a glass wine provide powerful doses of phytonnutrients that help repair and prevent damage to cells.  So 

Fresh produce is the cornerstone for a heart-healthy diet because these foods remove free radicals from the bloodstream, which protects the blood vessels.  For a heart healthy diet, Zumpano says, “you want everything to be in its natural form, as it comes from the ground, the less processed the better”.  Whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts, fatty fish, and teas are just as important -- offering all sorts of complex heart-protective phytonutrients.

Suzanne Farrell, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic-Association, states “everyone’s looking for that one magical food, but heart-healthy is not only about oatmeal and omega-3 fats.  You need to look for ways to get all the different nutrients.”  There are lots of delicious fruits and vegetables out there that can make a big difference in your diet so listen to your heart and eat those vegetables!