Eating sweet and refreshing fruits is a delightful way to beat the heat in summer. A storehouse of important vitamins and minerals, fruits can replenish energy levels and fill you with energy on hot summer days. Fruits are also heart-healthy and promote cardiovascular wellness. Eating fruits like oranges, apples, bananas and berries can benefit your heart and aid in reducing cholesterol levels. Studies have proved that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce risk of heart diseases. Fruits are full of antioxidants that can help prevent injuries to the arteries. It is recommended to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to keep your heart in top shape.  

"Maintaining a healthy heart is essential for overall well-being, and a balanced diet rich in fruits can play a significant role in achieving this goal. Fruits are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre that support heart health," says Bharathi Kumar, Dietician, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi, Bangalore.

Let's explore 10 fruits renowned for their heart-boosting properties from berries bursting with antioxidants to potassium-rich bananas. Eating these fruits is a flavourful way to nourish your heart and promote cardiovascular wellness.

1. Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are packed with antioxidants called flavonoids, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

2. Oranges: The citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fibre, all of which are beneficial for heart health. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while fibre aids in reducing cholesterol levels.

3. Apples: They contain soluble fibre, which can help lower cholesterol levels. They are also rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.

4. Bananas: They are an excellent source of potassium, which plays a key role in maintaining heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure. They are also low in sodium, which is important for heart health.

5. Avocados: They are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and raise good cholesterol levels (HDL). They also contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.

6. Grapes: Grapes, particularly red and purple varieties, contain antioxidants called polyphenols, which have been shown to improve heart health by reducing inflammation and preventing blood clots.

7. Pomegranates: They are rich in antioxidants, particularly punicalagins and anthocyanins, which can help protect the heart by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.

8. Kiwi: It is loaded with vitamin C, fibre, and potassium, all of which contribute to heart health. The fibre helps lower cholesterol levels, while potassium helps regulate blood pressure.

9. Watermelon: It is a hydrating fruit that is also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help lower the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and preventing oxidative damage to the heart.

10. Cherries: They contain anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of heart disease. They may also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Incorporating these fruits into your diet can be a delicious way to support your heart health and overall well-being.

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