Whole grains are better for your heart than refined grains because they have more fiber and important nutrients.
Most Mediterranean meals use unrefined grains like pasta, bread, barley, or couscous as their foundation.
Tomatoes can be used in many dishes, like pasta sauce and caprese. They are also good for your heart.
Tomatoes have a substance called lycopene that helps protect arteries from heart disease.
Beans are a type of protein that can be used in many different ways. They are often included in the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on eating lots of plants.
Fiber is good for you. You can put chickpeas in your salad, have lentil soup, or use hummus as a dip for veggies.
Nuts have healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Studies have shown that eating nuts often is good for your heart.
Nuts in the Mediterranean diet are packed with antioxidants that are good for your heart.
Berries have potassium, vitamin C, and fiber that help maintain healthy blood pressure and arteries.
Eating berries, such as blueberries, regularly can help improve cholesterol, blood clotting, and blood vessel function.