Keep The Ticker Healthy With Heart-Shaped Red Food

Celebrate the ultimate red month -February, with Vitamin C and anti-oxidant rich heart-shaped food, says a nutritionist.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 600,000 people die of heart diseases each year in the United States. The country observes February as the American Heart month  and National Cherry month to promote cardio-vascular health.

Katie Eliot, Assistant professor of Nutrition and Dietetics, Saint Louis University, said it is the perfect time to start eating red and heart-shaped fruits and vegetables for a healthy living. "Being red and heart shaped can be a tip off that some foods are good for your heart, " says Eliot in a news release.

Research shows heart-shaped foods are great sources of anti-oxidants that release free-radicals, which in turn shield against heart diseases and cancer. Topping the list of  anti-oxidant rich foods are strawberries and raspberries. They are loaded with Vitamin C and contain polyphenol that prevents formation of plaque and monitors insulin level. Tart cherries are the other anti-oxidant rich fruit- they have anthocyanin that cleans blood vessels. Tomatoes and red bell peppers are rich in lycopene, an anti-oxidant that neutralizes free-radicals. These fruits can be consumed raw or made into smoothies. The red bell peppers have low calorie counts and are high in potassium levels, (measuring only up to 24 calories and 162 milligrams of potassium per cup ), which help lowers blood pressure.

Apples and acorn squash are other choices of fiber rich food that reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the arteries; improve bowel movement and blood functions. The anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties make these fruits and vegetables the essentials of the month.

"To help keep your ticker ticking, celebrate heart month and Valentine's Day by making sure at least two of those five fruits and veggies are heart shaped or red," Eliot says.

An array of dishes can be prepared from these foods that resemble the organs they protect. From raw salads and smoothies to baked tarts and desserts, these essentials can ward off any life threatening heart diseases.