While fatal cases of heart disease and heart attacks have dramatically declined in the past decade or so, it’s still the #1 cause of deaths among American adults. That’s why you need to load up on heart-healthy foods to live longer, stay fit, and enjoy overall wellbeing. With that said, foods good for heart health are the ones that are rich in best-for-you minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, and lots of phytochemicals. They should also be low in trans fats, sodium, and saturated fats.

It’s also worth noting that embracing a heart-healthy diet is only a piece of the puzzle. You should also avoid smoking, get plenty of sleep, workout frequently, keep stress at bay, and keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.

Without further ado … here are ten types of foods that are good for your heart that you should include in your diet.

#1. Omega-3 Rich Fish

Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are the undisputable champs of heart-healthy superfoods. The allure behind these oily fish lies in the fact that they’re jam-packed with omega-3 fatty acids which can do wonders for the health of not only your heart but also your brain and other vital organs. A slew of studies has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (build up of plaque in your heart’s arteries) and arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) as well as decrease of bad-for-your-heart triglycerides.

For the best results, AHA suggests that you eat at least two servings of fatty fish each week.

#2. Berries

Most berries, especially raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and red grapes, have a copious amount of vitamin C and antioxidants that can keep your heart ticking without a hitch.

#3. Oatmeal

You’ve probably wondered why oatmeal is the best food for breakfast. Well, it’s loaded with soluble fiber which absorbs bad cholesterol, preventing it from being taken into the bloodstream.

#4. Soy Foods

To keep your heart healthy, consume plenty of soy foods, including soybean oil, tofu, and soybeans. They have lots of isoflavones that prevent plaque build-up.

#5. Whole Grains

Apart from oatmeal, there are several other forms of whole grains that are good for you heart. Talk of wheat-based bread, cereals, and so forth -- they’re all rich in soluble fiber.

#6. Dark Chocolates

Whoever thought the rich, flavorful dark chocolate would be good food for heart health? It turns out that dark chocolates have flavonoids called polyphenols which can prevent inflammation, clotting, and reduce blood pressure.

#7. Teas

Enjoy a cup of black or green teas -- all benefit your heart.

#8. Olive Oils

Olive oil has good cholesterol.

#9. Veggies

Load up on vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and kale; they come packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

#10. Several Varieties of Beans

For a healthy heart, consume beans such as garbanzos, pintos, chickpeas, and kidney beans.

Staying heart healthy requires watching what you eat, good sleep habits, exercise, meditation and so many other exercise that are good for you. Don't beat yourself up. It is a process. Begin today by living green and eating green.