Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for around 1 in 4 deaths each year. But fear not—you can greatly reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease through diet and lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise and eating heart-healthy foods. All five of the following superfoods are easy to incorporate into your meal plan and have been validated by peer-reviewed science to help protect your body’s most important muscle. By selecting foods and supplements that support heart health, you lock in a critical piece of the longevity puzzle that can keep your heart happy for decades to come. 1. Omega-3 Fats The health benefits of consuming a diet rich in essential fatty acids are clearly established, including the boost these healthy fats provide to your heart. Omega-3 fats are so important to heart health that being deficient is associated with higher risk of cardiac mortality.[ii] Conversely, …