I’m a cardiologist — this is the best fruit to eat for a healthy heart (2024)

They like these fruits berry much.

Fruits — and vegetables! — are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease, the leading cause of death in the US. The American Heart Association recommends consuming 4½ cups of fruit every day.

Fruits “provide cardiovascular benefits such as a reduction in high blood pressure and reduction in atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries,” Dr. Deepak Vivek, a cardiologist at Orlando Health in Florida, told Parade last week.

Since fruits have different nutritional values and health benefits, Vivek and other cardiologists are revealing their favorites to eat to boost heart health.

Vivek said he apple-solutely adores apples because they are a good source of antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C, and potassium — and they are also low-glycemic, so they help lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

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He added that he slices an apple for salads or eats it whole as a snack, especially before playing pickleball.

“I find it helps give me the necessary energy to play and also prevents muscle cramping,” Vivek explained.

Dr. Sushant Khaire, a cardiologist at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in Memphis, Tennessee, told Parade that he goes bananas for bananas because they are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants.

“Dietary fiber helps digestion, vitamin C boosts the immune system and vitamin B6 is important for the development of the brain and nerves,” Khaire noted.

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Dr. Jennifer Mieres, professor of cardiology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell in Hempstead, told Today.com last year that she always eats fruit — such as an apple, a pear, or cherries, “something with fiber” — as a mid-afternoon snack because it’s filling and helps protect against heart disease.

Fiber has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, two major risk markers forheart disease.

Dr. Satjit Bhusri, a cardiologist at Upper East Side Cardiology in Manhattan, has shared that unsalted nuts and dried fruit are his favorite snacks.

“Fruits like blueberries, raspberries, acai berries and goji berries have the highest levels of antioxidants, which are great for protecting your heart,” he said.

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Berries are also the fruit that Dr. Joy Gelbman, a cardiologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, eats most often.

She praised their antioxidant properties and fiber content to Parade.

I’m a cardiologist — this is the best fruit to eat for a healthy heart (2024)

FAQs

I’m a cardiologist — this is the best fruit to eat for a healthy heart? ›

Sushant Khaire, a cardiologist at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in Memphis, Tennessee, told Parade that he goes bananas for bananas because they are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants.

What is the most powerful fruit for the heart? ›

  1. Blackberries. Blackberries are a delicious fruit packed with nutrients critical to heart health. ...
  2. Blueberries. These tiny but mighty berries are jam-packed with nutrition, including heart-healthy properties. ...
  3. Raspberries. ...
  4. Papaya. ...
  5. Red Grapes.
Feb 28, 2023

What are the three foods that heal your heart? ›

Certain foods, including leafy greens, whole grains, and fatty fish, can benefit your heart health and lower your risk of heart disease.

What is the number one best food for your heart? ›

Foods to eat
  • Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna, and trout)
  • Lean meats such as 95% lean ground beef or pork tenderloin or skinless chicken or turkey.
  • Eggs.
  • Nuts, seeds, and soy products (tofu)
  • Legumes such as kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, and lima beans.
Mar 24, 2022

Which drink is best for the heart? ›

Water is the drink of choice for heart health. If you're thirsty, drink water.

Which fruit reduces heart blockage? ›

Apple & Banana are best fruits for heart blockage that helps in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. It contains antioxidants that can help prevent blood clots from forming and causing a heart attack or stroke. Bananas are also a great fruit to eat if you have heart blockage.

What is the number one healthiest fruit? ›

Blueberries take the title of healthiest fruit. Blueberries' stunning hue comes from their anthocyanins — an antioxidant believed to be responsible for their numerous health benefits. Long-term studies suggest that including blueberries in your regular lineup may lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

What are three foods cardiologists say not to eat? ›

That's not to say you can't enjoy these items occasionally as a treat, but they should not be a part of your regular diet.
  • Red meat (including “the other white meat”) ...
  • Bacon, hot dogs, and other processed meats. ...
  • French fries and other fried foods. ...
  • Sugary drinks and cereals. ...
  • Potato chips and snack foods.
Feb 1, 2023

What is the #1 worst habit for your heart? ›

Smoking is one of the most harmful things people can do to themselves,” Dr. Maniar says. Blood flow drops, slashing oxygen that fuels the heart, which compensates by spiking blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and can lead to hardened and narrowed arteries and blood clots causing cardiovascular disease.

Is banana good for the heart? ›

Potassium in bananas is good for your heart health and blood pressure. A medium-sized banana will provide around 320-400 mg of potassium, which meets about 10% of your daily potassium needs. Potassium helps your body maintain a healthy heart and blood pressure. In addition, bananas are low in sodium.

Is watermelon good for the heart? ›

Healthier Heart

Watermelon is rich in an amino acid called citrulline that may help move blood through your body and can lower your blood pressure. Your heart also enjoys the perks of all the lycopene watermelon contains. Studies show that it may lower your risk of heart attacks.

Are eggs good for the heart? ›

Most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week without increasing their risk of heart disease. Some studies have shown that this level of egg consumption might even help prevent certain types of stroke and a serious eye condition called macular degeneration that can lead to blindness.

Is peanut butter heart-healthy? ›

One of the main fats in peanut butter is oleic acid. When substituted for other fats in your diet, oleic acid helps maintain good cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Managing these levels in your body can lower the risk of heart disease.

What should I drink to clean my heart? ›

6 Drinks to Boost Heart Health
  • Pomegranate juice. According to experts, pomegranates are uniquely healthy fruits for your heart. ...
  • Coffee. Studies have shown that people who drink 3-5 cups of coffee per day have a significantly lower risk of heart disease, stroke and heart failure. ...
  • Tea. ...
  • Tomato juice. ...
  • Green juice. ...
  • Smoothies.

What is a heart-healthy breakfast? ›

Scrambled eggs, whole-grain toast, one cup of milk and sliced apples. Greek yogurt with whole-grain cereal and berries. Whole-grain toast with peanut butter or alternative, sliced apples, one cup of milk. Yogurt parfait with plain yogurt, ground flax seeds or muesli and fresh fruit.

How to make a weak heart stronger? ›

Seven Ways to Make Your Heart Stronger
  1. Eat a well-rounded, balanced diet. ...
  2. Don't sit for too long. ...
  3. Brush your teeth every day – and don't forget to floss. ...
  4. Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke. ...
  5. Snack smartly throughout the day. ...
  6. Get plenty of sleep. ...
  7. Recognize and reduce stress in your life.
Sep 7, 2023

How can I make my heart stronger? ›

How can someone strengthen their heart muscle? “A good diet, exercise and controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol all help promote a strong heart and prevent heart disease. For people who already have a weak heart, low sodium intake, proper exercise and compliance with medications can all prevent more problems.

What fruit is good for heart and blood pressure? ›

The top fruits for lowering blood pressure include bananas, apples, pears, apricots, grapes, raisins, kiwis, mangoes, watermelon, pomegranate, plums, prunes, avocado, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, tomatoes, citrus fruit, berries, and more.

What fruit is good for heart plaque? ›

A high intake of fruit and vegetables has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease. Fruits like avocados and olives contain healthy fats and oils, as well as nuts and seeds; eating these can lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

Do bananas help your heart? ›

Potassium in bananas is good for your heart health and blood pressure. A medium-sized banana will provide around 320-400 mg of potassium, which meets about 10% of your daily potassium needs. Potassium helps your body maintain a healthy heart and blood pressure. In addition, bananas are low in sodium.

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