Your heart is an amazing muscle. Though not much bigger than your fist, it's responsible for pumping oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood through your entire body. Your heart needs to be strong to do its job well, with blood-carrying vessels that are flexible and free of clogging plaque.

For optimum heart health, the American Heart Association® recommends a balanced diet that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and salt.

But can some foods actually help your heart? If you eat a variety of nutritious foods every day, more than likely you are giving your heart the nutrients it needs. There's no magic potion. However, certain foods have been shown to provide specific heart-health benefits. Add them to your meal plan, and you may be able to show your heart some extra TLC.

• Fish: Fatty fish such as salmon, lake trout, herring, and albacore tuna contain lots of omega-3 fatty acids. These can reduce levels of blood fats called triglycerides, which may contribute to coronary heart disease. Fish oil also has been shown to help lower blood pressure and the risk of blood clots. The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fish a week. You can get one of them when you enjoy Healthy Choice® Creamy Dill Salmon—tender wild salmon in dill sauce, served over penne pasta with a side of fresh broccoli florets.
• Chocolate: If you're a chocoholic, you may have a good excuse to indulge—in moderation, of course! Studies have shown that dark chocolate may reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension, as well as lower LDL "bad" cholesterol levels. The reason could be the flavonoids, which are antioxidants found in many foods from plants. But don't overdo it. Chocolate still contains a lot of sugar and fat.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Sure, they're staples of an all-around healthy diet. But many fruits and veggies also are good for your heart. That's because they contain soluble fiber, which can help lower blood cholesterol, and antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and carotene that can protect cells from oxidation, which plays a role in the buildup of plaque in blood vessels. Healthy Choice soups and meals can help you get the variety of vegetables your heart needs. Enjoy a bowl of Vegetable Beef soup, or try a Simple Selections entree—they all include a full serving of vegetables.
• Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, and other nuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can reduce LDL cholesterol levels when they replace saturated fats in your diet. Spanish researchers found eating walnuts after a high-fat meal helped keep arteries more flexible and elastic. But remember: Nuts are high in calories. Try to eat them in place of other fatty foods—for example, on a salad in place of cheese or croutons.
• Olive Oil: Studies suggest the monounsaturated fat in olive oil can help reduce your risk of coronary heart disease. Like polyunsaturated fats, monounsaturated fats can help lower LDL cholesterol levels when eaten instead of saturated fats. Other sources of monounsaturated fats include avocadoes, canola oil, and peanut oil.
• Whole Grains: Whole-grain foods are made from the entire grain of a plant and are a great source of soluble fiber. Fiber can help lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the absorption of cholesterol in your intestines. For a fiber-rich sandwich, try Healthy Choice breads. Choose from Hearty 100% Whole Grain, Hearty 7 Grain, Soft Multigrain, and Soft Honey Wheat.