Consider these 7 fruits and vegetables to boost your heart health this summer.
Research has associated lycopene, an antioxidant in tomatoes, with a lower risk of stroke and heart disease.
Blueberries
Summer berries, like blueberries and blackberries, contain anthocyanin pigments.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
These pigments provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits and may lower heart disease risk.
In the hot summer months, many of us turn to frozen treats to help cool off.
Remember that fruit can be fabulous for this.
These nutrients help improve cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and protect against heart disease.
This stone fruit also containsbeta-carotene, an antioxidant that gives peaches their signature yellow hue.
Once converted into vitamin A in the body, it helps reduce heart disease risk.
Peaches work well grilled or mixed into salsas.
Hodson recommends adding peaches to summer fruit salads.
Substituting fruit for dessert is a positive lifestyle change that adds up to greater cardiovascular health, Doerfler said.
However, Doerfler said all produce have vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that support heart health.
In general, we are not eating enough fruits and vegetables, Prest said in an email.
Make a goal this summer to add a fruit or vegetable to at least two meals and one snack.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.DASH eating plan.
American Heart Association.How to eat more fruit and vegetables.
United States Department of Agriculture.Tomatoes.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Homocysteine test.
2022;9:972399. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.972399
Mount Sinai.Beta-carotene.
2022;14(22):4883. doi:10.3390/nu14224883
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sodium, potassium and health.
2021;13(5):1421. doi:10.3390/nu13051421
