Snack Your Way to a Healthy Heart: Eating healthy to strengthen your heart is a great idea. But do you know what is considered healthy? You may be surprised to find out that one of your favorite snack foods may actually lower your risk of heart disease. Consume nuts to reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health.

Researchers already know that nuts are a great source of protein. They're also loaded with potentially protective substances called phytochemicals. For example, every type of nut contains flavonoids, a phytochemical. These fight the oxidation that makes LDL cholesterol bad. Recent studies further suggest that nuts may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. In a recent study, women who ate nuts were one-third less likely to develop coronary disease.