Go green: 6 heart-healthy green foods

Packed with powerful nutrients, fruits and vegetables brighten your plate and protect your heart. 

Eating more of these heart-healthy foods can help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve cholesterol levels and reduce your risk for heart disease. 

What are the some of best green foods for your heart? Include these six in your meal rotation:

1. Greens. Leafy greens like kale, arugula, Swiss chard and spinach are good for your heart because they contain fiber, which helps lower cholesterol, as well as antioxidants and other nutrients that can help lower inflammation and keep blood vessels healthy.
    
2. Avocado. Avocados are a great source of fiber, “good” monounsaturated fats and potassium. Research has shown that eating two or more servings of avocado each week was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and that substituting avocado for foods like butter, cheese or processed meats was associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
    
3. Edamame. This soybean contains isoflavones that can help regulate blood pressure and lower cholesterol. One study found consuming soy protein once a week can reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.
    
4. Kiwifruit. Besides being a source of fiber, kiwi contains high amounts of vitamin C and potassium, which can help lower your blood pressure.
    
5. Beans. Green beans and green split peas add fiber and protein to your meal and, like other legumes, contain nutrients that can help lower blood pressure and protect the heart from disease.
    
6. Broccoli. Broccoli has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit your heart by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.