Can the contents of your kitchen seriously save your life?  Keeping your heart healthy is more than just cutting off sweets and fast foods. Here are 5 of the best foods that are good for your heart.

Oats and Barley:

The cell walls of oats and barley contain a special type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan. Studies show that it blunts the body’s insulin response and boots immunity. It may be helpful during radiation and chemotherapy. If you have high cholesterol, eating oats or oatmeal for breakfast can really help. The role of oats and barley in cholesterol reduction is what counts for heart health.

Salmon and other fatty fish:

Fish oils are critical for maintaining a health heart. Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, crustaceans, etc, are the protein staples of a heart-healthy diet. These all contain health-protective omega-3’s, Omega-3’s have been shown to prevent heart attacks by helping the heart maintain its rhythm. Studies done also show they make blood less likely to clot, lower blood pressure, and keep blood vessels healthy and less likely to become narrow.

Dark leafy greens:

Salad greens, spinach, kale, and many more are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K. They also contain antioxidants that help rid toxins from the body. The calcium, magnesium, and potassium found in these greens are known to play a role in blood pressure regulation. They help make the blood vessels relax which increases blood flow and reduces blood pressure. Greens have very little calories as well.

Avocados:

A study found out that replacing saturated fat with nutrient-packed avocado a day could lead up to a 13.5 milligrams-per-deciliter reduction in blood pressure. Researchers reported that this could be enough to keep some people off blood pressure meds. Avocados are a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which can lower your total cholesterol. They also help with diabetes.

Low-fat dairy:

Milk, cheese, and yogurt can all help to reduce blood pressure. A study done by researchers at Boston University, found out that women who ate yogurt at least five times a week had a 20% reduction in their risk of developing high blood pressure. Milk and cheese had some affect but it wasn’t as big as yogurt. Dairy products contain calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which are important minerals to help with blood pressure control.