During Heart Health Month we’re sharing many ways to improve your cardiovascular and overall health for longevity and vitality. Today we’re focusing on the color of the month: RED! Here are the healthiest red fruits and vegetables to keep your heart and entire body in tip top shape:
Healthy Red Fruits
Cherries: The combo of fiber, Vitamin C and potassium help lower blood pressure for a healthier cardiovascular system. Dried cherries are a great option when fresh cherries aren’t in season.
Tomatoes: Red tomatoes contain the essential nutrients lycopene, potassium and Vitamin C. Don’t forget: you can reap many of these benefits from tomato products including pasta sauce, salsa and tomato-based soups. Tip: lycopene is better absorbed when cooked with oil.
Pomegranates: Pomegranates help reduce the buildup of plaque in arteries therefore decreasing risk of heart attack and stroke. They are also a powerful cancer-fighting fruit due to the antioxidant power of polyphenols.
Strawberries: Rich in Vitamin C and folate, strawberries are super for heart health. They are also great for pregnant women because folic acid is associated with fewer birth defects in babies.
Grapefruit: Not only does this citrus fruit pack in the Vitamin C, it also contains lycopene and pectin that may lower cholesterol.
Watermelon: This sweet fruit is a great source of extra hydration as well as fiber and lycopene that can reduce risk of heart disease, stroke and blood vessel disorders. It is good for the eyes too.
Cranberries: Thanks to their proanthycyanindin content tart cranberries are known to prevent bacteria from sticking to the stomach and urinary tract before they can cause infections. They may also reduce cancer cells.
Healthy Red Vegetables
Beets: These red root veggies have one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants in any raw vegetable. They are known to improve blood pressure, circulation and athletic endurance.
Red Onions: Onions contain sulfurs that can balance cholesterol, boost the immune system and reduce risk of cancer and heart disease.
Peppers: Chili peppers contain a variety of vitamins and minerals as well as capsaicin that helps combat cancer. Red bell peppers are jam-packed with antioxidants like Vitamin A, C and E.
Cabbage: As one of the few non-green cruciferous vegetables, red cabbage (as well as purple varieties) contains the rare supercharged antioxidant anthocyanins that support the heart and brain.
Radishes: Small but mighty, peppery radishes pack a powerful punch of vitamins and minerals. Plus they have a lot of fiber to keep you satisfied for longer.
Sources: Healthline, WebMD and EatingWell