Heart-healthy fruits—yes, fruit!—can support cardiovascular function and overall wellness. That’s because many are rich in nutrients that help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, both key for heart health. In fact, studies show that people who eat four or more servings of heart-healthy fruit daily have a significantly lower risk of developing high blood pressure.
Fruits are packed with fiber and are an excellent source of potassium—two nutrients that help prevent hypertension and may contribute to lowering blood pressure in those who already have it.
The Best Fruits for Heart Health
These seven fruits are among the most beneficial for your heart—and they’re easy to find at your local grocery store.
🍎 Apples
Turns out an apple a day really might keep the doctor away. Apples are full of dietary fiber and heart-friendly flavonoids, and some studies suggest that people who regularly eat apples are less likely to develop high blood pressure.
Choose apples that are firm, smooth-skinned, and free of bruises. Store them in the crisper drawer of your fridge to help preserve their juicy crunch.
🍑 Apricots
Apricots are loaded with vitamins A, C, E, and K, along with dietary fiber. Their bright orange color comes from carotenoids, powerful antioxidants that protect your heart and cells. Apricots are in season from May through August, and dried apricots offer similar nutritional benefits year-round.
Look for plump, firm apricots with vibrant color for the best taste and texture.
🍌 Bananas
Bananas are rich in vitamin B6, vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and magnesium—all of which help manage blood pressure and support cardiovascular function.
Choose bananas that are firm, regardless of size—larger bananas aren’t necessarily better in quality or nutrition.
🫐 Berries
Whether you’re into blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or strawberries, all berries are packed with vitamin C and fiber, making them excellent for heart health. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a high-fiber diet can reduce both cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.
And don’t worry—frozen berries are just as nutritious as fresh, so you can enjoy them all year long.
🍊 Grapefruit
Grapefruit offers vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. One serving gives you 2.5 grams of fiber, about 7% of your daily recommended intake.
A 2014 study published in Food & Nutrition Research found that women who regularly ate grapefruit or drank grapefruit juice had higher HDL (“good”) cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels.
When shopping, look for large, slightly springy grapefruits. You can store them in the fridge, but if you want the juiciest flavor, let them sit at room temperature before eating.
Note: Grapefruit can interact with certain medications, so check with your doctor before making it a regular part of your diet.
🍊 Oranges
A top pick among citrus fruits, oranges are rich in antioxidant flavonoids like naringenin and hesperidin, which help reduce inflammation, improve blood pressure, and lower the risk of atherosclerosis.
Oranges also contain potassium and fiber, both vital for heart health. When choosing oranges, go for ones with smaller navels (the indentation opposite the stem)—a large navel usually means the fruit is overripe.
🍑 Peaches
Peaches, especially the golden varieties, are a great source of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. A 2018 study in Circulation Research linked higher blood levels of beta-carotene with a lower risk of dying from heart disease or stroke in men.
Peaches also offer fiber, potassium, and vitamins C, E, and K. Choose peaches that have a sweet aroma and give slightly when gently squeezed.
Final Thoughts
Eating more heart-smart fruits is a simple and delicious way to support your cardiovascular health. Apples, bananas, citrus fruits, berries, and stone fruits like peaches and apricots are all nutrient-dense and easy to add to your routine.
Try enjoying them fresh, blended in smoothies, added to oatmeal, or paired with a handful of nuts for a satisfying, heart-healthy snack.