Stocking one’s pantry or refrigerator with foods such as oatmeal or berries may offer a benefit to the heart, according to a report on cnnhealth.com, by either lowering bad cholesterol or having reduced fat concentrations.

Nuts and legumes are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may lower blood pressure and reduce clotting; nuts also contain beneficial unsaturated fats while legumes like lentils, chickpeas and black beans are a source of soluble fiber to keep the digestive system moving.

Other dietary options for protein include oily fishes like salmon, tuna and mackerel because of the omega-3 levels. Soy-based products can be vegetarian protein sources.

Adding olive oil to salads or in sauces may lower bad cholesterol, while a nutritional supplement like flaxseed is a great topper for breakfast because of its fiber and fatty acid content.

On the other hand, one may want to consider eliminating sugary beverages like sodas, as a study from Simmons College reported that women who partake in two or more of these drinks a day face 35 percent higher risk of coronary heart disease.

Those who don’t like any of the items listed here may consider using nutritional supplements to garner some of the benefits found in these foods.