Salmon(01 of12)
Open Image ModalThe American Heart Association recommends eating fish twice a week -- especially fatty fish like salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s can reduce the risk of arrthymias, slow plaque build up in the arteries, lower cholesterol and slightly lower blood pressure. \r\n\r\n\r\nFlickr photo by Jeremy Hall (credit:Flickr:Wallslide)
Olive Oil(02 of12)
Open Image ModalSwitching from butter to olive oil (or even olive oil to canola oil) can lower cholesterol levels. The \"healthy\" monounsaturated fats found in olive oil are still fats however, so use in moderation.\r\n\r\n\r\nFlickr photo by Thomas Ricker (credit:Flickr:trix0r)
Nuts(03 of12)
Open Image ModalA large 2011 study found that swapping nuts for red meat as a leaner source of protein resulted in a 17 percent lower risk of stroke. The unsaturated fat in nuts can help reduce cholesterol in comparison to eating red meat, but nuts are still high in fat and calories, so be aware of portion sizes.\r\n\r\n\r\nFlickr photo by s58y (credit:Flickr:s58y)
Berries(04 of12)
Open Image ModalBerries are rich in a type of antioxidant called polyphenols, which can lower blood pressure and boost \"good\" HDL cholesterol.\r\n\r\nA 2011 study focussed on blueberries found that they contain a compound called anthocyanins (also found in other dark fruits like raspberries) that can protect against high blood pressure. \r\n\r\n\r\nFlickr photo by Kimberly Vardeman \r\n (credit:Flickr:kimberlykv)
Oatmeal(05 of12)
Open Image ModalThe soluble fiber in oatmeal (as well in other whole-grain foods, fruits and vegetables) reduces the absorption of \"bad\" LDL cholesterol into the bloodstream, helping to keep arteries clear. \r\n\r\n\r\nFlickr photo by Nate Steiner (credit:Flickr:nate steiner)
Soy(06 of12)
Open Image ModalWhile the cholesterol-lowering claims of soy protein have been debated, there\'s no question that it\'s a low-fat source of protein when compared to fattier options, like red meat.\r\n\r\n\r\nFlickr photo by Adriane Dizon (credit:Flickr:Ev0luti0nary)
Dark Chocolate(07 of12)
Open Image ModalThanks to compounds called flavonoids that operate like antioxidants, satisfying that sweet tooth can actually lower bad cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and prevent blood clots.\n\n\nFlickr photo by Lee McCoy\n (credit:Flickr:Chocolate Reviews)
Popcorn(08 of12)
Open Image ModalWhen air-popped (read, not drenched in butter and smothered in salt), popcorn is actually a surprisingly good source of heart-healthy antioxidants and fiber, according to a 2009 study, because it\'s technically a whole grain.\n\n\nFlickr photo by Joelle Nebbe-Mornod (credit:Flickr:superiphi)
Tomatoes(09 of12)
Open Image ModalTomatoes are the biggest source of lycopene (a powerful antioxidant) in the American diet, according to a 2011 review of literature on the topic. While more research is needed still, preliminary experiments suggest that lycopene could play a role in preventing cardiovascular problems due to its anti-inflammatory properties.\r\n\r\n\r\nFlickr photo by Dave Stokes (credit:Flickr:Dave Stokes)
Potatoes(10 of12)
Open Image ModalSweet potatoes are packed with disease-fighting antioxidants, and both sweets and regular spuds contain fiber and potassium, key in keeping your heart functioning its best.\r\n\r\n\r\nFlickr photo by Svadilfari (credit:Flickr:Svadilfari)
Coffee(11 of12)
Open Image ModalA 2011 study suggests that coffee is one of the biggest sources of antioxidants in the average person\'s diet, and that caffeine is actually behind the heart-healthy effects of that morning (or afternoon) pick-me-up. Although more research is still needed to more clearly understand the process of how caffeine counteracts free radicals in the body, it seems to help fight heart disease, Alzheimer\'s and more.\n\n\nFlickr photo by Timothy Boyd (credit:Flickr:dyobmit)
Alcohol(12 of12)
Open Image ModalA 2011 review published in the \"British Medical Journal\" found a 14 to 25 percent drop in heart disease in moderate alcohol drinkers compared to teetotalers. \n\nFor years, research has flip-flopped on the healthy or not debate over alcohol. While once-heralded resveratrol might not be worth all the hype, a recent Spanish study suggests it\'s alcohol itself that has cardiovascular benefits, not just the compounds in red wine.\n\n\nFlickr photo by Dinner Series (credit:Flickr:Dinner Series)