FOOD that strengthen your HEART!

Your heart will beat over 2.5 billion times if you live to 70. That’s a lot to ask of an organ just slightly larger than your own fist.

With obesity reaching near-epidemic proportions and companies still sneaking artery-clogging trans fats into our food, our hearts are in need of some major assistance. Yes, exercise helps—but just as important is eating the right foods. Start working these 5 best foods for a stronger heart into your diet and a longer, healthier life will be your reward.

Cranberries

Researchers at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania found that men who drank 3 cups of cranberry juice daily raised their HDL (the good kind) cholesterol levels by 10 percent, which in turn lowered their risk of heart disease by 40 percent. Plant compounds called polyphenols are believed to be responsible for the effect. (Note: Cranberry juice often comes diluted, so make sure the label says that it contains at least 27 percent cranberry juice.)

Whole Grains

In a study at Tulane University, researchers found that people who ate 4 or more servings of foods like whole grains, nuts, and beans a week had a 22 percent lower risk of developing heart disease (and 75 percent fewer camping companions) than those who ate the foods once a week or less.

Grapefruit

Eating just one grapefruit each day can lower your total cholesterol and LDL levels by 8 and 11 percent, respectively, lowering your risk of heart disease. It will also provide you with more than 150% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C.

Water

Loma Linda University researchers found that drinking 5 or more 8-ounce glasses of water a day could help lower the risk of heart disease by up to 60 percent—exactly the same drop you get from stopping smoking, lowering your LDL cholesterol number, exercising, or losing a little weight.

Replace half of what you drink with water and you'll save 23 pounds per year!

Fish

Omega-3 fats in tuna and other fish as well as flaxseed help strengthen the heart muscle, lower blood pressure, prevent overclotting, and reduce the level of potentially deadly inflammation in the body. And favor fruits high in vitamin C, like oranges and pineapple: According to research from England, people with the most vitamin C in their bloodstreams are 40 percent less likely to die of heart disease.