Because it’s American Heart Month (and Valentine’s Day, which is all about celebrating our loved ones!), we’re focusing our attention on delicious and nutritious red foods that can nourish and protect your heart. These foods are packed with antioxidant vitamins, fiber and hydration that can help lower your risk of heart disease, atherosclerosis and even cancer.
Where you enjoy them fresh, frozen, canned or dried, start adding more of these vibrant, health-supporting red foods to your meals and snacks today!
Red Food Options for Heart Health
1. Strawberries
Strawberries are a good source of folate and vitamin C. Folate is especially beneficial during pregnancy as it helps prevent neural tube defects in babies. Vitamin C is found in most fruits and vegetables and is a significant contributor to immune health, which is important during the winter months when illnesses tend to peak.
How to enjoy: Snack on strawberries as is or dip them in dark chocolate for a tasty (occasional) treat. Frozen strawberries can add sweetness and texture to a smoothie or sorbet.
![Simple Kitchen Freeze-Dried Sliced Strawberries | Vitacost.com/blog]( "Simple Kitchen Freeze-Dried Sliced Strawberries")
2. Cranberries
Cranberries are rich in Vitamin C, but most people think of urinary tract health when they hear “cranberry.” This ruby-red fruit is loaded with antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, which are mainly responsible for their health-supportive benefits. Did you know cranberries are also known to assist with stomach health, as they help block the bacteria H pylori from adhering to the stomach wall?
How to enjoy: Add dried cranberries (the lower-sugar variety) to your warm cereal or trail mix. Or, sip on a 4-ounce glass of cranberry juice daily for a sweet source of vitamin C. You can also follow easy directions for how to dry cranberries and enjoy them as an anytime snack.
![Eden Foods Organic Dried Cranberries Sweetened with Apple Juice | Vitacost.com/blog]( "Eden Foods Organic Dried Cranberries Sweetened with Apple Juice")
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are known for their lycopene content which is associated with protection against cancer. Tomatoes also are a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Potassium is beneficial for heart health because it decreases blood pressure and helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
How to enjoy: Toss tomatoes into salads or slice and stack on your sandwiches. And, of course, marinara sauce over pasta and on pizza are great options, too!
![Divina Roasted Tomatoes | Vitacost.com/blog]( "Divina Roasted Tomatoes")
4. Red peppers
Red Peppers are rich in vitamin A, which contribute to the health of skin, bones, teeth and vision. This vibrant vegetable offers just as much vitamin C as an orange!
How to enjoy: Add red peppers to soups and salads, or try them dunked in a yummy heart healthy dip.
![Mediterranean Organic Red Peppers Fire Roasted | Vitacost.com/blog]( "Mediterranean Organic Red Peppers Fire Roasted")
5. Beets
Beets are a root vegetable that contain antioxidants (similar to those in cranberries) called anthocyanins which are not only present in red foods, but in blue and purple foods, too. Fun fact: Beets are often used to color processed foods in a natural way!
How to enjoy: Try this earthy-flavored and vibrant-colored vegetable in salads or soups. Beets can also be pickled into a sweet or salty flavor profile.
With heart disease as the number one killer of Americans, plus the negative health impacts from the pandemic, it is more important now than ever before to pack your plate with colorful foods for protection against heart disease.
In addition to eating nourishing foods, having a regular exercise regimen, getting quality sleep and quitting smoking are good habits to adopt for a healthier life.
