Many of us plague ourselves with a bad diet. Pizza, desserts, fried foods, they are all delicious and, often times, even irresistible but they can wreak havoc on our health. Heart disease is easily the number one killer among women in the United States with one in three dying each year of cardiovascular disease. One of the best ways to prevent this is by changing the way we eat. Foods play a very important role in our overall health, and these delicious foods can help keep our arteries clear.

Fish

While it is widely known that saturated fats are harmful to our health, fish is an unsaturated, or healthy fat, that is packed with Omega-3 acids, which aid in lowering triglyceride levels.

Nuts

Nuts are considered a superpower for heart health with their unsaturated fats and magnesium, which help to prevent plaque buildup in the arteries, so make sure to include about five servings a week of almonds or cashews in your diet.

Avacado

Avacados are another superfood because they are packed with potassium, which increases good cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol. In other words, they are great for the heart and a lot of other health aspects, as well.

Coffee & Green Tea

When you reach for that delightful morning boost, know that you are also doing your heart a favor. Some studies have shown that coffee and green tea can also aid in the prevention of clogged artieries so drink up!

Broccoli & Asparagus

Has there ever been any doubt that these vegetables are good for us? Aside from a wealth of other health benefits, vegetables like broccoli and asparagus are famous for aiding in the prevention of clogged arteries.

Whole Grains

Whole grains, like brown rice, hold high dietary fiber properties that help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and thin the walls of the carotid artery, improving blood flow to the brain, so it’s no wonder why they are heart-healthy superfoods.

Citrus & Pomegranate

Fruits like pomegranate, oranges and lemons are all popular in maintaining good heart health. Pomegranate has high levels of antioxidants that clear the arteries and improve blood flow while citrus fruits protect the walls of the arteries, so make sure to add plenty of these fruits to your daily diet.