Top Foods to Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men and women in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 600,000 people die to heart disease each year. However, you can protect your heart from this deadly condition by adding more of the following to your diet.

Nuts -- peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and nuts and are all excellent foods to lower your risk of heart disease. Containing healthy omega fatty acids, they work to lower levels of bad cholesterol. Just remember to consume nuts in moderation, as a single serving can pack upwards of 250 or more calories.

Tomatoes -- another food that you should consider adding to your diet is tomatoes. This juicy red fruit contains the antioxidant lycopene, which has been shown to lower levels of bad cholesterol, and subsequently reduce the risk of heart disease. Try adding tomatoes to salads, sandwiches, or even consume them plain.

Fish -- we can't talk about foods to lower your risk of heart disease without mentioning fish. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish (especially 'fatty' varieties) at least two times per week. Fatty fish may include herring, lake trout, sardines, tuna, salmon, and mackerel, all of which have high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids.

Fruits and Vegetables -- how many servings of fruit and vegetables do you consume on a daily basis? Unfortunately, most people fall short of the daily recommended guidelines set forth by the USDA, and as a result, they place themselves at risk for disease. Fruit and vegetables contain essential vitamins and nutrients that can protect the heart from disease, so be sure to include them in your diet.

Whole Grains -- last but not least, whole grains may lower your risk of developing heart disease. Oats, whole wheat, and similar grain-based foods are high in fiber, which means they'll flush out cholesterol from the arteries.

Equally as important as dieting in the prevention of heart disease is exercise. A good rule of thumb is to get a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day, focusing on cardio workouts to strengthen the heart. Regular exercise paired with a healthy, well-balanced diet will go a long ways in reducing your risk of heart disease.