The connection between the top heart-healthy foods and your health is amazing. People know that eating healthy foods is good. Personal experience with the way your body feels when you eat will ensure that you never forget. Your body works together with the nutrition to help you get the balance right. While there are certain foods that can harm heart health (i.e., trans fats, red meat, high sodium foods, etc.) over the long term; there are also foods that can do their part to help protect cardiovascular health.

Here are some foods to consider to protect your heart health and make you feel incredible:

1. Avocados

Avocados offer healthy fats which should also be part of your diet. They offer so many benefits. As women age, their hormone levels change. Eating these helps maintain those hormonal levels. It also helps with cholesterol levels. It is a healthy fat as well. Eating an avocado on toast in the morning helps keep you full for weight maintenance. Consider cutting them up in salads, adding them to your tacos, or blending them to make a great smoothie.

2. Omega-3 fats

Fatty fish and fish oil is another good food for brain health. It puts Omega-3 in your diet. That is the brain food you need. It should be something you eat a few times a week. Fish oil also helps to reduce the chances of Alzheimer’s disease. Harvard School of Medicine has published reports on how adding Omega-3 foods can even lessen the effects of Alzheimer’s disease once it sets in. Tasty omega-3’s to add to your diet include salmon, sardines, albacore tuna, cod, and even walnuts.

3. Dark leafy greens

Leafy green vegetables are an excellent source of nutrition to reduce triglyceride levels. You lower the chance of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association reports that adding this to your daily diet will improve your health and energy levels. It helps your skin as well. These are other excellent leafy vegetables to add to your smoothies and meals each day, such as spinach, kale, collard greens, chard, and arugula.

4. Whole grains

Tons of people these days won’t eat bread. The gluten in it causes health issues for many individuals. There are ways to include whole grains in your diet though to help build muscle. Quinoa is a source of protein and healthy grains to maintain your bowel health. Avoid grains with gluten. Some great whole grain options include amaranth, oats, and buckwheat.

5. Dark berries

Berries are one of the best choices for an excellent source of antioxidants. Cellular level health is as important as the rest of your body. The Mayo Clinic has shown that you can reduce chances of cancer tumor growth by adding berries to your diet. They maintain your brain health as well. Eating these as your age is an essential part of good health. Those nutritious fruits taste good too. Additional fruits for heart-health include acai, blueberries, cranberries, and cherries