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Heart-Healthy Foods: Love Yourself on Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day show your heart some love with our list of heart-healthy foods and recipes.

Mark Boughton/ styling: Teresa Blackburn

Each year on February 14th we wait for Cupid’s strike to send our hearts a-flutter, but the winged babe isn’t the only one readying his arrows. The far more sinister Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease are also making aims—and they’re seasoned pros in the pitter-patter department.

Resolve only to let love in this Valentine’s Day by guarding your heart with the following heart-healthy eats:

Salmon: Packed with plenty of omega-3s (essential fatty acids found to reduce blood pressure and benefit cardiovascular health as a whole), this fatty fish is easy to cook and versatile dinner. Click image above to learn more and for a selection of salmon recipes.

Oatmeal: Whole grain steel-cut oats are high in omega-3s, potassium and cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber. Top with bright berries and you’ll only increase your meal’s healthy benefits! Click image above to learn more and for a selection of oatmeal recipes.

Avocado: A surprising new warrior on the cardiovascular frontier, avocados are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats. Research on the creamy green fruit (yes, it is a fruit!) has shown it can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels in your body and raise the amounts of good HDL cholesterol. Click image above to learn more and for an easy avocado spread.

—By Emily Arno

Strawberry and Avocado Salad with Goat Cheese

Creamy discs of goat cheese with crisp herbed crusts sit atop this strawberry and greens salad.

Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich

This nutrient-packed sandwich makes eating healthy a delicious adventure!

Blueberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Try these blueberry treats for breakfast or a snack.

Blueberry-Cucumber Salad

The super fresh flavors of blueberries and cucumber combine to make a salad that tastes as light and refreshing as it looks! Serve it with grilled fish or meats.