Researchers and cardiologists have performed numerous studies that have all come to similar conclusions. These indicate that certain foods, primarily specific vegetables that contain fiber, potassium, beta-carotene and other vital nutrients, promote healthy hearts in humans. People who consume generous portions of these vegetables each day may stop their heart disease from worsening or prevent it altogether. Patients on Heart Medications Still Need Heart-Healthy Veggies A recent McMaster University study conducted on over 31,000 patients on heart medication found that including generous portions of heart-healthy vegetables in their daily diets was crucial to preventing their heart conditions from becoming more serious. Patients on regimens of aspirin, beta blockers, modulators and lipid-lowering agents reacted differently based on their diets. Those who regularly consumed heart-healthy veggies maintained healthier hearts than those who ate foods they were advised to avoid. Research Proves the Connection Between Vegetable Intake and Heart Health Scientists at the University of Oxford found that people who have no evidence of heart disease, and consume a healthy diet which includes vegetables, have a 22% lower chance of developing heart related illnesses than people who have a poor diet. The fact that eating veggies is good for the heart is not big news, but researchers are discovering the specific ways in which vegetables promote heart health. Certain veggies that contain high levels of phytonutrients work to wipe out harmful free radicals in the blood as well as prevent and repair damage to cells. What are Phytonutrients? Phytonutrients, in essence, are the natural plant-based compounds that give veggies their wide range of vibrant colors and provide health benefits for the heart and other vital organs. Recent studies have found that four specific phytonutrients found in vegetables tend to benefit the heart the most. Allicin, quercetin, anthocyanin and resveratrol are phytonutrients that are abundant in onions and other vegetables. There is no One Magic Vegetable Physician writers for the health-promoting website WebMD stress that there is no one magic vegetable that has everything people need in their diets. Rather, it is important for people to consume a large variety of vegetables in order to benefit from the wide range of nutrients contained in each one. Further, physicians at the Cleveland Clinic stress that organic vegetables that have not been exposed to pesticides and preservatives are the healthiest food options. So what are the specific veggies that most benefit the human heart? The Greens Fresh spinach is great in salads and on sandwiches and is an excellent source of heart-healthy nutrients like lutein, magnesium, potassium, calcium and fiber. Another good source of potassium, calcium and fiber is broccoli which also adds beta-carotene and Vitamins C and E to the mix. There is no end to the uses for broccoli, steamed, boiled and grilled as a side dish, on pizzas and in salads and soups. Asparagus is another healthy choice, particularly grilled and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, as it is high in lutein, beta-carotene, fiber, foliates and B complex vitamins. The Yellows Carrots make wonderful snacks that most parents can coax children into eating. The crispy, bite size morsels are rich in heart-healthy alpha-carotene and fiber. Sweet potatoes are easily steamed in a bag in the microwave and delicious topped with fresh pineapple. They contain beta-carotene and fiber along with Vitamins A, C and E. The internet is filled with healthy recipes for acorn squash, a delicious vegetable which contains an abundance of most of the heart-healthy phytonutrients including lutein, beta-carotene, foliates, calcium, magnesium, potassium, fiber and vitamins B and C. Eating green and yellow veggies that are rich in phytonutrients is one of the best way to reduce the chance of heart disease. These veggies are not only scrumptious, but can help everyone enjoy longer, healthier lives.