Cardiologist names the fruits that can help combat heart disease risk

A cardiologist has named the four fruits that could reduce the chances of developing heart disease.

Coronary heart disease is a major cause of death in the UK and worldwide. The NHS explains that the term describes when your heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries.

Heart disease and related conditions are responsible for around 170,000 deaths each year in the UK, which equates to roughly 460 deaths a day. Within that total, coronary heart disease, the most common form of heart disease, accounts for approximately 63,000 deaths annually. According to the British Heart Foundation, it’s estimated that there are over 8 million people living with cardiovascular disease in the UK.

Although it cannot be cured, treatment can be managed through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and stopping smoking, medicines, surgeries and a procedure called angioplasty, where balloons and stents are used to treat narrow heart arteries.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the UK (Getty Stock Image)

One of the most effective ways of reducing your risk of developing the condition includes maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. Some foods are particularly beneficial.

A diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables is widely recognised as beneficial for overall health.

Studies have shown that fruits can lower the risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Fruits that contain potassium and flavonoids can help lower blood pressure, while some fruits can improve cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation.

Cardiologist David Min MD told Eating Well that these fruits can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Apples help because of their high fibre and antioxidant content. They also help improve blood pressure and cholesterol.

Oranges contain vitamin C which is a helpful antioxidant (Getty Stock Image)

Avocados are a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids. These fruits lower ‘bad LDL cholesterol and increase good HDL cholesterol’, Min said.

Blueberries are small but mighty - they contain high amounts of antioxidants, which help keep the body’s free radicals controlled, and are a source of fibre.

“Think of them as guardians of your blood vessels: they can help lower blood pressure, improve the flexibility of your arteries and increase HDL cholesterol, which helps protect your arteries,” Dr Min said.

The fourth fruit mentioned are oranges. They’re known for containing vitamin C, which is a key antioxidant, they also help in another important way.

They contain ‘important compounds’ called flavanones which have been shown to help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. This compound also helps with reducing inflammation and supporting healthy blood sugar regulation.