{"id":15572,"date":"2026-02-03T21:15:01","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T14:15:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=15572"},"modified":"2026-02-03T21:15:01","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T14:15:01","slug":"why-your-heart-needs-you-to-eat-more-plants-and-how-to-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=15572","title":{"rendered":"Why Your Heart Needs You to Eat More Plants (And How to Start)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Heart-Healthy-Vegetables-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"Heart healthy vegetables\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Heart-healthy eating is having a moment and for good reason. The foods you choose today play a big role in how well your heart functions for years to come.(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahajournals.org\/doi\/full\/10.1161\/CIR.0000000000001031\">1<\/a>) The good news? Supporting your heart doesn\u2019t require a complicated or restrictive diet. In fact, many of the most heart-friendly foods are simple, colorful staples like fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n<p>Despite what flashy headlines suggest, heart health isn\u2019t about a single \u201csuperfood.\u201d It\u2019s about consistent eating patterns that put more plants at the center of your plate. When you build that habit, the benefits show up not only long term in better cardiovascular health but also short term with improved nutrient intakes. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahajournals.org\/doi\/full\/10.1161\/CIR.0000000000001031\">1<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11412377\/\">2<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>Ready to add more heart-healthy plants to your plate? Read on for the low-down on what to prioritize and how to start today.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"643\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2072062_HeartHealth_V3_op1A_020524-1024x643.jpg\" alt=\"How To Improve Heart Health: 29 Things You Should Do\" class=\"wp-image-54604 size-full\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-might-also-like\"><strong>You might also like<\/strong><\/h5>\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"h-how-to-improve-your-heart-health-29-things-you-should-do\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/how-to-improve-heart-health-29-things-you-should-do\/\"><strong>How to Improve Your Heart Health: 29 Things You Should Do<\/strong><\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-plants-are-excellent-for-your-cardiovascular-health\">Why Plants Are Excellent for Your Cardiovascular Health<\/h2>\n<p>Fruits and vegetables that support heart health are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.(<a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/002436.htm#:~:text=FRUITS%20AND%20VEGETABLES,fruits%20instead%20of%20drinking%20juice.\">3<\/a>) Think fruits, like berries, grapes, and watermelon, vegetables, like leafy greens and cruciferous veggies, and even <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/how-to-use-canned-beans-lentils-beginners-guide\/\">protein-packed legumes<\/a>, such as beans and lentils. Together, these foods can help improve symptoms that accompany poor heart health. For example, consuming more fruits and vegetables can help:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lower blood pressure (<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11412377\/\">2<\/a>)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Manage blood cholesterol levels (<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11412377\/\">2<\/a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Reduce inflammation (<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11412377\/\">2<\/a>)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Improve blood glucose control (<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11412377\/\">2<\/a>)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-benefits-of-eating-a-variety-of-colors-of-fruits-and-vegetables-nbsp\">Benefits of Eating a Variety of Colors of Fruits and Vegetables&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<p>Aiming for a variety of colors is an easy way to cover your nutrient bases and keep your heart happy, too. Each color of produce options at the market contains different phytonutrients, such as antioxidants.(<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11357572\/\">4<\/a>) These are those good guys that keep your body healthy and kick the free radicals (or those foreign invaders that can do damage to your heart over time) to the curb.(<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11357572\/\">4<\/a>)&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Need some inspiration? Use this little cheat sheet to reap the colorful benefits different produce picks provide.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Blue &amp; Purple:<\/strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/fruitsandveggies.org\/blog\/fruit-and-veggie-color-list\/\">5<\/a>)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fruits: Blueberries, Currants, Grapes, Plums, Raisins<\/li>\n<li>Vegetables: Olives, Cabbage, Eggplant, Potatoes&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Green:<\/strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/fruitsandveggies.org\/blog\/fruit-and-veggie-color-list\/\">5<\/a>)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fruits: Avocados, Honeydew, Kiwifruit, Limes, Green Peas<\/li>\n<li>Vegetables: Artichokes, Broccoli, Celery, Leafy Greens, Okra<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Yellow &amp; Orange:<\/strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/fruitsandveggies.org\/blog\/fruit-and-veggie-color-list\/\">5<\/a>)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fruits: Apricots, Cantaloupe, Mangoes, Peaches, Persimmons&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Vegetables: Butternut Squash, Carrots, Pumpkin, Sweet Corn<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Red:<\/strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/fruitsandveggies.org\/blog\/fruit-and-veggie-color-list\/\">5<\/a>) <strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fruits: Apples, Cherries, Strawberries, Watermelon<\/li>\n<li>Vegetables: Red Peppers, Radishes, Onion, Rhubarb, Tomatoes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>White, Tan, &amp; Brown:<\/strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/fruitsandveggies.org\/blog\/fruit-and-veggie-color-list\/\">5<\/a>)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fruits: Bananas, Dates, Peaches<\/li>\n<li>Vegetables: Cauliflower, Garlic, Mushrooms, Potatoes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-easy-ways-to-eat-more-plants-in-a-heart-healthy-diet\">3 Easy Ways to Eat More Plants in a Heart Healthy Diet<\/h2>\n<p>And these don\u2019t require you to spend hours prepping in the kitchen!&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-stock-up-on-canned-dried-amp-frozen-fruits-amp-vegetables-nbsp\">1. Stock-Up on Canned, Dried, &amp; Frozen Fruits &amp; Vegetables&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<p>Canned, dried, and frozen fruits and vegetables come in super handy to add more volume to your meals with our produce friends. Keep these tips in mind when shopping these aisles:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Choose dried fruits without sugar added.<\/li>\n<li>Opt for canned fruits in water or their own juice (no syrups added). Rinse under cool running water to lower the sugar content before eating.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Choose canned vegetables that have low sodium options, like canned beans, corn, peas, and lentils. Rinse them under cool running water when you pop open the top to lower sodium further. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ars.usda.gov\/ARSUserFiles\/80400525\/articles\/eb11_drainedveg.pdf\">(6)<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Purchase frozen fruits and vegetables without sauces or seasoning added.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"643\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/What-a-Registered-Dietitian-Looks-For-in-Canned-Beans-1024x643.jpg\" alt=\"A white plate holds a mixed salad with lettuce, asparagus, tomatoes, canned beans, and chunks of tuna. Next to the plate on a wooden cutting board are halved cherry tomatoes and a knife. MyFitnessPal Blog\" class=\"wp-image-44230 size-full\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-might-also-like-0\"><strong>You might also like<\/strong><\/h5>\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"h-what-a-registered-dietitian-looks-for-in-canned-beans\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/what-a-registered-dietitian-looks-for-in-canned-beans\/\"><strong>What A Registered Dietitian Looks for in Canned Beans<\/strong><\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-meal-prep-produce-after-you-shop-nbsp\">2. Meal Prep Produce After You Shop&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<p>You just unpacked your grocery haul, and that beautiful produce is calling your name. Step one, done. But instead of letting it sit and spoil (because let\u2019s be honest, life gets busy), prep it right away. Portion baby carrots into snack bags for work, chop lettuce for ready-to-go salads, or <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/how-to-make-produce-last-longer\/\">prep other fruits and veggies<\/a> so they\u2019re easy to grab throughout the week.<\/p>\n<p>When your produce is washed, chopped, and ready to eat, you\u2019re far more likely to actually use it, even during your busiest days.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Foodprep_vegetables_rice_tupperware_ingredients_portions_SC__txpe99873f9WBG300_OriginalDelivery_2004252-copy-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Glass meal prep containers with vegetables, quinoa, pasta, and fresh ingredients organized for healthy eating\" class=\"wp-image-65815 size-full\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-might-also-like-1\"><strong>You might also like<\/strong><\/h5>\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"h-grocery-store-short-cuts-to-speed-up-meal-prep-time\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/grocery-store-shortcuts-to-speed-up-meal-prep-time\/\"><strong>Grocery Store Short Cuts to Speed Up Meal Prep Time<\/strong><\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-plan-meals-around-produce-then-add-protein-nbsp\">3. Plan Meals Around Produce &#8211; Then Add Protein&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<p>Plants should take up most of the space on your plate (or bowl), which means planning meals around them is one of the easiest ways to eat more of them consistently. Craving a burrito bowl? Perfect. Let lettuce and beans form your base, then layer on toppings and protein like the finishing touches. Think of plants as the foundation and everything else as the extras.<\/p>\n<p>To make it even easier, lean on tools that support your goals, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myfitnesspal.com\/\">MyFitnessPal<\/a> app. You can keep tabs on your veggie intake while also tracking the macro- and micronutrients you\u2019re getting from those plant foods.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bottom-line\">Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p>There\u2019s a reason healthcare professionals encourage you to \u201ceat the rainbow\u201d when it comes to the variety of fruits and vegetables at the market. That rainbow is filled with a variety of nutrients that support heart health through lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and lowering inflammation.(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahajournals.org\/doi\/full\/10.1161\/CIR.0000000000001031\">1<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11412377\/\">2<\/a>)&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>But, it doesn\u2019t have to become a full time thinking about how to eat more plants. MyFitnessPal dietitian Katherine Basbaum shares, \u201cAdding one more fruit or vegetable to your plate at every meal is one of the simplest ways to support heart health for the long haul.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Start today by pairing a handful of berries with your<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/freezer-bagel-breakfast-sandwiches\/\"> morning bagel sandwich<\/a>. You don\u2019t have to become a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/green-mango-kale-smoothie\/\">green smoothie<\/a> lover if that\u2019s not your jam. Progress, not perfection, is what matters most in the long haul. Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/myfitnesspal-meal-planner-what-to-know\/\">MyFitnessPal Meal Planner <\/a>to help spot opportunities to add more fruits and vegetables into your routine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock_2489309945-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Various types of sugar in bowls including white sugar cubes, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on wooden table\" class=\"wp-image-65997 size-full\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-might-also-like-2\"><strong>You might also like<\/strong><\/h5>\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"h-is-sugar-bad-for-you-here-s-what-dietitians-have-to-say\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/is-sugar-bad-for-you-heres-what-dietitians-have-to-say\/\">Is Sugar Bad for You? Here\u2019s What Dietitians Have to Say<\/a><\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/heart-healthy-benefits-of-eating-plants\/\">Why Your Heart Needs You to Eat More Plants (And How to Start)<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\">MyFitnessPal Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/heart-healthy-benefits-of-eating-plants\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Heart-healthy eating is having a moment and for good reason. The foods you choose today play a big role in how well your heart functions for years to come.(1) The good news? Supporting your heart doesn\u2019t require a complicated or restrictive diet. In fact, many of the most heart-friendly foods are simple, colorful staples like &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15572","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15572","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=15572"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15572\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=15572"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=15572"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=15572"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}