10 heart-healthy fruits you must add to your diet regularly

About 17.9 million people die of cardiovascular diseases worldwide every year. Heart diseases are on the rise, and lifestyle factors play a significant role. Diet is one among them. Eating the right foods can reduce the risk of these diseases and even prevent them. Here are 10 fruits you should add to your diet to improve heart health.

Guess what? You can munch on some berries and boost your heart health, as they contain flavonoids, which can lower blood pressure and reduce oxidative stress. These include blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. A 2019 study found that eating a cup of blueberries a day significantly reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Eat bananas. Yes, as simple as that! Bananas contain potassium, which can lower blood pressure. High potassium intake is associated with reduced risk of stroke. You can eat them as a snack, or slice it and add them to oatmeal for your breakfast.

Yes, avocados are good for your heart. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats that slash LDL cholesterol. A 2022 study found that eating two or more servings of avocado weekly was associated with a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 21% lower risk of coronary heart disease.

Eating kiwis could help reduce heart disease risk factors, including high blood pressure. Two kiwis provide more vitamin C than an orange. Their fuzzy skin is edible and provides extra fiber.

If you are looking to add more heart-healthy foods to your diet, eat cherries. These tiny fruits reduce uric acid and inflammation markers. They can significantly lower cardiovascular events. You can either eat them fresh or frozen.

Those tiny seeds have the potential to prevent heart disease. They contain punicalagins, which are antioxidants that widen arteries. Studies have shown that consuming pomegranate regularly can improve blood flow. You can either have them as a snack or sprinkle them over your salads.

Red grapes are rich in resveratrol, which is linked to a lower atherosclerosis risk as it protects endothelial cells. They also provide fiber, so it's best to eat them whole rather than juicing.

Citrus fruits are your heart’s best friends. Citrus fruits like oranges are high in vitamin C, which supports vessel elasticity. Higher citrus intake is linked to reduced risk of heart. Ensure to avoid adding sugar if you are making juice out of them.

An apple a day keeps heart diseases at bay. Eating apples regularly is linked with a lowered heart disease risk as pectin fiber binds cholesterol. For the best benefits, eat the skin of the apples.

Watermelon provides both hydration and is also a good source of nitrates. The citrulline converts to nitric oxide and relaxes vessels. It can improve blood pressure, a major risk factor linked with cardiovascular diseases.