By Rita Chioma

We all know that there are certain foods that can increase the risk of heart disease. While diet might be challenging to change, there are certain fruits you could consider trying that focus on maintaining a good and healthy heart condition.

Once you know which fruits to eat more of, you’ll be on your way towards a healthy heart.

Vitamin B1 in soursop accelerates metabolism, blood circulation and prevents nervous disorders. It also contains vitamin B2, which is vital for the body’s energy production, fat storage, the functioning of nervous system and maintenance of heart muscle.

Pomegranate can have a great impact on health, particularly on the health of the heart, by keeping the arteries flexible and decreasing the inflammation in the lining of the blood vessels. It is known to reduce atherosclerosis, which is one of the leading causes of heart disease.

It lowers the risk of blockage in the arteries, which can cause a restriction in the flow of blood to the heart and brain. In other words it has an anti-atherogenic effect on the heart.  It lowers the amount of LDL or bad cholesterol that is retained in the body and increases the amount of good cholesterol or HDL.

3. Apricot

Apricots reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease as they are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and lycopene. These antioxidants reduce bad cholesterol, thus minimizing the risk of heart attack and improving heart health.

The presence of fiber, helps reduce the cholesterol in the body and thereby protects us from heart diseases.

Being rich in potassium content, it gives about 237 mg of potassium which is useful for controlling heart rate and is helpful in preventing heart diseases and strokes.