The magnificent seven heart-healthy foods
Take this to heart: Seven tasty everyday foods are front-line warriors against heart disease.
That's the conclusion of researchers from King's College London who recently published results of a 10-year study of the diet and heart health of more than 3,100 people and the metabolites in the urine of more than 200 of those adults. They found that folks who ate a diet packed with plant-based polyphenols (anti-inflammatory compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids), have healthier blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels and a measurably lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
So, who are these "magnificent seven" who battle atherosclerosis, heart attack and vascular problems? Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, Robert Vaughn, James Coburn, Horst Buchholz and Brad Dexter, move over. Here come tea, coffee, berries, cocoa, nuts, whole grains and olive oil, ready to save the day.
I recommend that, starting today, you get a daily dose of coffee and/or tea (black, no sugar added), blueberries and blackberries, strawberries and raspberries, dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher, just 1 ounce a day), unsalted walnuts and almonds (especially good for the heart), barley, farro, millet, steel-cut oats and 100% whole wheat, and extra-virgin olive oil and other poly- and monounsaturated fats such as avocado, canola, flaxseed, fish, and safflower oil.
For great recipes using these ingredients, check out my book "The What to Eat When Cookbook." And for more info on protecting your heart health, sign up for my free newsletter at michaelfroizenmd.substack.com and jump into the wellness zone at 4YOUngevity.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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