10 Heart-Healthy Foods for Valentine's Day

This Valentine’s Day, be good to your sweetheart, but don’t forget to take care of your own heart. Start by eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich in polyphenols, which are plant compounds that have been shown to promote heart health.

Indeed, polyphenols may provide a wide range of health benefits. According to an article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, studies show tat polyphenols may help to prevent cardiovascular disease and may reduce your risk of developing certain cancers. Polyphenols have also been linked to a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes and other diseases of aging.

If you are not consuming 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables, you may not be getting the health benefits that these foods offer. This Valentine's Day do something good for your heart. Eat more colorful fruits and vegetables to boost your polyphenol intake and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Here are 10 foods to help you get started:

1. Apples
2. Red grapes
3. Cranberries
4. Pomegranate
5. Eggplant
6. Broccoli
7. Onion
8. Cocoa/Dark chocolate
9. Tea
10. Red wine

References

Agricultural Research Service

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
__________________________________________
If you have questions about diet and nutrition, consult a registered dietitian. You can find a registered dietitian by visiting the American Dietetic Association website at www.eatright.org or by searching online.
__________________________________
Read today's Daily Diet Guide