Increasing intake of plant-based foods can improve heart disease and help prevent a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest. Fruits and vegetables are not only low in calories but both contain a healthy amount of vitamins and nutrients, contributing to heart health. Moreover, they’re also a great source of fiber and thus help lower cholesterol levels and thus protect heart. However, always try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid canned vegetables or fruits packed in heavy syrup, which contains more sugar and has a higher calorie count. Adult men and women should daily eat ~ 2 cups of fruit and 3 cups of vegetables.

Prof of Cardiology, AIIMS Delhi