Smart Snacks to Boost Heart Health

An ideal snack for when you're on the go, tuna is a great way to boost heart health. Dr. Matthew Budoff, M.D., a cardiologist with the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, says fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help protect against heart attacks. Toss a can in your bag, or, if you have more time, dish it up with a scoop of salsa and a squeeze of lime, says cookbook author Tina Ruggiero, M.S., R.D., L.D.

Nuts have a strong reputation for being good for the heart, but don't just grab a handful. Lieberman suggests making a walnut hummus. "Walnuts contain a good dose of omega-3 fatty acids that other nuts don't," she says. "Omega-3s lower triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood, and may slow down plaque buildup in the arteries." To make hummus, combine 19 ounces of chick peas with 1/4 cup of walnuts in a blender. Add three tablespoons of lemon juice, and season with cumin and pepper.

For a quick snack, nutritionist Alison Borgmeyer, M.S., R.D., loves Egg Beaters SmartCups. "I pop them in the microwave, add some peppers and a sprinkle of cheese, and I'm good to go until dinner," she says. "Less than 200 calories with no cholesterol and little fat but with vitamins, minerals and satisfying protein that your heart needs to keep you moving."

Lieberman suggests making a heart-healthy smoothie with a frozen banana, a handful of spinach, one mango and 1.5 cups of almond milk. "Spinach adds a heavy dose of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), manganese, zinc and selenium," she says. "Antioxidants from natural foods have been associated with a decreased risk of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup) and high blood pressure."

Adding soy into your diet offers many benefits for the heart. "Soybean oil is relatively low in saturated fat and has zero grams trans fat per serving," says Mark Messina, Ph.D., M.S., soy health expert for the United Soybean Board. "Plus it contains vitamin E and essential omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fat, which can promote cardiovascular health." Try pairing edamame hummus with your favorite veggies for a nutrient boost, he adds.

Baked sweet potatoes are heart smart because they are a super-food, packed with calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and C, Lieberman says. "They are virtually fat-free, low in sodium, are one of the most nutritious vegetables and a good source of the soluble fiber pectin known to lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)," she adds. "They even contain vitamin E. These vitamins, minerals and fiber are responsible for protecting the body against heart disease and stroke."

Want a snack with crunch? Borgmeyer recommends making your own treat with yellow and green split peas. "It's super easy with good fats and protein -- great for the heart," she says. To make, soak one cup of dried split peas in three cups of water for 4.5 hours. In a large skillet, add a little olive oil, add peas and stir frequently. Cook five to 10 minutes until golden brown.

Get your chocolate fix with Lieberman's chocolate tofu banana mousse. "Regular intake of soy protein in the form of tofu has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides and decrease the risk of blood clot formation," she says. To make, in a blender combine one banana, 12 ounces drained tofu, five tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup maple syrup, three tablespoons almond or fat-free milk, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.