If you are looking to keep your heart beating strong and steady, your fruit bowl might be a good place to start. Some fruits come packed with nutrients that help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, fight inflammation, and just overall show your heart some love.

Here are 7 heart-friendly fruits you should keep close:

1. Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries)

These tiny fruits are antioxidant powerhouses. They help reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol, and keep your blood vessels healthy. Think of them as tiny heart bodyguards.

2. Bananas

Loaded with potassium — and potassium is your heart’s best friend. It helps balance sodium in your body and keeps your blood pressure in check.

3. Apples

An apple a day really does keep the doctor away. The fiber (especially pectin) helps lower bad cholesterol, while antioxidants help reduce heart disease risk.

4. Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruit)

Rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and fiber. They help reduce blood pressure and support healthy blood vessels. Just go easy if you are on certain meds — grapefruit can interact.

5. Avocados

Technically, they are packed with heart-healthy fats (monounsaturated), potassium, and fiber.  Great for reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing the good one (HDL).

6. Pomegranates

They help reduce plaque buildup in the arteries and improve blood flow. Plus, they are super rich in antioxidants that keep your heart young and strong.

7. Grapes

Especially the dark ones — full of resveratrol, which may help reduce blood pressure and inflammation. They are sweet, juicy, and heart happy.

Quick tip: Fresh is best. Juices usually strip away fiber and pile on sugar. So, aim for whole fruits most of the time.

Snack smart — your heart is counting on you.