Eat these 5 foods for the good of your heart!

Cocoa is a veritable mine of flavonols, powerful antioxidants which, in synergy with the vitamin B3 it contains, improve vessel elasticity and reduce blood pressure. It also helps lower bad cholesterol and better regulate insulin, reducing the risk of diabetes. Choose dark chocolate with at least 75% cocoa, rich in magnesium, ideal for combating stress and fatigue.

Strawberries, cherries, blueberries and pomegranates make gourmets happy, while also caring for the heart. Their radiant hue comes from anthocyanins, antioxidants that combat the free radicals responsible for cell and artery ageing. They also strengthen the cardiovascular system by improving blood flow. Eat berries raw to preserve their vitamins, or opt for frozen versions out of season.

An excellent source of fiber and protein, chickpeas, lentils and beans (white or kidney) provide a feeling of satiety while being low in calories. Ideal for diabetics and overweight people, they reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Their copper and manganese content gives them antioxidant properties, while their high potassium content helps regulate blood pressure.

Rich in essential fatty acids, they reduce blood triglycerides and lower blood pressure. Take a leaf out of their book by including oily fish such as salmon, trout, herring, sardines or mackerel several times a week, paying particular attention to their origin (prefer wild fish). For vegetarians, omega-3s are found in cold-pressed rapeseed, linseed and olive oils, walnuts and certain types of seaweed.

Spinach and other green leafy vegetables (kale, broccoli, watercress, rocket, Swiss chard, etc.) are rich in vitamin K, essential for healthy heart function. A deficiency in this vitamin may even increase the risk of heart disease. These vegetables are also packed with carotenoids, powerful antioxidants that protect the cardiovascular system.