Following a healthy diet and practicing nutrition is integral to lowering your risk of heart disease. In fact, a study from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute found that participants who ate healthier foods had a 14%-21% lower risk of developing heart disease than participants who consumed unhealthy foods.

Foods that are considered heart healthy often contain leafy greens, which are full of vitamin K that protects arteries and promotes proper blood clotting, fiber to lower LDL/bad blood cholesterol levels, protein as a source of energy for the heart, omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, and oils high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats to lower LDL/bad blood cholesterol levels.

Foods that negatively impact the heart contain saturated fats, which cause LDL/bad cholesterol to build up in the arteries, increasing the risk for stroke and heart attack; excess added sugars, which contribute to diabetes and can increase inflammation and blood pressure; and a high alcohol content, which can lead to high blood pressure and stroke.