Walnuts

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Walnuts are nutritious, versatile nuts.

On average, their LDL levels went down by 4.3 mg/dL.

Sorghum

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Eating whole grains instead of refined grains has many positive heart-health outcomes.

Heart Healthy Foods to Eat During American Heart Month - Illustration by Hilary Allison

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Whole grains are linked to improved levels oftotal cholesterol, LDL cholesterol,hemoglobin A1c, andC-reactive protein.

Sorghum is a unique whole grain choice.

Its a natural source of important heart-healthy nutrients like plant-based protein and magnesium.

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The ancient grain also naturally contains substances that have anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic activities (called phenolic compounds).

Sorghum is also agluten-freegrain, making it a fantastic option way for people withceliac diseaseto support their heart health.

In the study, the health of more than 80,000 people was evaluated over six years.

Close up of sorghum grains.

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Green tea is a particular powerhouse.

Dont like green tea?

Black, green, and white teas are also full of antioxidants thatfight chronic inflammation.

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In some cases, it actually led to a reduction in at least one biomarker of inflammation.

Several studies have linked lentils to a lower risk of CVD, largely due to their bioactive compounds.

Salmon

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Research has shown that eating cold-water oily fish like salmon supports your cardiovascular health.

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The benefits were especially seen when seafood replaced the intake of less nutritious foods.

Regularly eating fish and seafood is also linked to a lower risk for CVD.

Dates

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Dates can be wonderful additions to sweet and savory dishes.

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Olive Oil

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Olive oil contains healthy fats that are key for cardiovascular health.

Its also versatileyou can drizzle it on a salad or use it as aheart-healthy cooking oil.

2021 Oct 13;375:n2213.

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2020 Nov;120(11):1859-1883.e31.

doi:10.1016/j.jand.2020.06.021

Satija A, Hu FB.Plant-based diets and cardiovascular health.Trends Cardiovasc Med.

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2016;5(5):e002787.

2018;138(1):e35-e47.

doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000574

American Heart Association.Fish and omega-3 fatty acids.

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2022 Jan 18;79(2):101-112. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2021.10.041

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