The best possible New Year's resolution you can make is adding heart-healthy foods to your diet. Many of them require no disrupting dietary changes. In fact, many times it's just a matter of adding nutritious, heart-healthy ingredients to foods you already prepare. Make it a goal to try five of these delicious foods that protect the heart to you meals each week. You'll wonder why you've waited so long to enjoy healthy eating! You'll be able to stop worrying about cholesterol, heart attacks, and you energy will increase as your whole body gets a boost from these nutritious foods! Here's a list of the top foods that protect the heart and entire cardiovascular system.

1. Oatmeal is proven to lower cholesterol. Look for steel-cut oats that are full of fiber rather than overly sweetened and processed instant oats. Not only fiber but minerals and vitamins are found in oats. This grain is believed to help reduce the effects of stress, another factor that harms the heart.

2. Wild-caught Alaskan salmon is one of the most heart-healthy foods around. Full of omega-3 fatty acids, the wild salmon are virtually free of contaminants. Not so, the so called Atlantic salmon that are actually farmed fish feed colorants to brighten their flesh. Add grilled salmon to salads or serve as a main course. Omega-3 fatty acids increase HDL levels while lowering LDL, or bad cholesterol. They also reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.

3. Berries are loaded with antioxidants that protect the cardiovascular system from free radical damage, a major factor in heart disease. Along with the antioxidants, berries have anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent artery problems. Add berries to vegetable or fruit salads, cereal, and homemade smoothies.

4. Almonds and walnuts are a great source of heart protective vitamin E, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids along with many other nutrients. Make a great trail mix of dried fruits and nuts, add to salads, or baked goods.

5. Legumes are just what the heart needs. Red, black, and kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils are all excellent sources of soluble fiber and nutrients. Add them to soups and stews or salads.

6. Brown rice provides the B-complex vitamins that help the body deal with stress. It is also a great source of fiber and magnesium. Add some beans and you have a complete source of protein.

7. Green tea is another excellent source of heart-healthy antioxidants. Brew your own, adding just a touch of raw sugar or honey if you must sweeten it.

8. Tomatoes provide carotenes, lycopene, vitamin C, and other nutrients. Both cooked and fresh tomatoes are heart-healthy and can be added to salads, sandwiches, pasta, and soups and stews.

9. Spinach along with all fresh vegetables and fruits gives the body a full range of heart-healthy nutrients. Studies have shown that adding just three servings of vegetables to your diet significantly cuts the risk of heart disease. Eat your veggies raw in salads or add them to almost any recipe for a nutrient boost.

10. Olive oil has been used for millennia throughout the Mediterranean region. This monounsaturated fat lowers LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk for heart disease. Use this delicious oil liberally on salads, for cooking, or make a delicious dip with herbs and Parmesan cheese.

You can have a more healthy heart for 2011. Make sure you include these foods in your diet. Your heart will thank you for it!

Monique Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of safe and effective high quality, natural, alternative health products to treat and prevent heart disease. To learn about how to prevent and treat heart disease naturally, visit her blog for weekly tips at Heart Patient Diet