Show Your Heart Some Love: 8 Red Foods to Boost Men’s Heart Health
By Dr. David Samadi
Your heart works tirelessly, beating around 103,680 times a day and pumping 2,000 gallons of blood—it’s time to give it the care it deserves. Eating heart-healthy foods, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can keep your heart strong and healthy for years.
For men, the stakes are even higher. Heart disease tends to develop about a decade earlier in men than in women, and men may face unique warning signs like erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, and chronic stress. These symptoms could signal underlying cardiovascular issues, making prevention critical.
One simple and delicious way to improve heart health? Eat more red foods! The color red often indicates a food packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and heart-boosting benefits; red foods deserve a prominent place on your plate. Here are eight of the best red foods to incorporate into your diet today:
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a nutritional powerhouse and an excellent provider of important nutrients for heart health like vitamins C and A, potassium, and lycopene—a phytonutrient that gives them their rich red color. Lycopene has long been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Cooking tomatoes intensifies lycopene’s potency, so don’t shy away from tomato sauce, paste, or canned varieties for maximum benefits.
2. Strawberries
Fresh or frozen, strawberries are bursting with vitamin C—just eight provide more than an orange! These heart-friendly berries may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduce inflammation, which is critical for heart health. Plus, men with low testosterone should note that strawberries can aid in managing cholesterol, a factor often linked to cardiovascular risk.
3. Red-Skinned Potatoes
Who said potatoes can’t be heart-healthy? Red-skinned potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals while naturally low in sodium and cholesterol-free. They’re also a great source of vitamin C. Whether mashed, baked, or boiled, these versatile tubers are a perfect addition to your meals.
4. Red Bell Peppers
Sweet or spicy red peppers pack a nutritional punch. They’re loaded with lycopene, cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber, and antioxidants like vitamins A and C. Chili peppers, such as red habanero and Serrano, also contain capsaicin, a compound that reduces inflammation and can even relieve pain from arthritis and headaches.
5. Raspberries
Delicate but powerful, raspberries are rich in anthocyanins, plant compounds that reduce inflammation linked to heart disease. They also contain quercetin, which may help slow cancer growth. Enjoy fresh, frozen, or blended into a smoothie for a heart-healthy treat.
6. Watermelon
Hydration and heart health go hand in hand, and watermelon excels at both. With 92% water content, it’s perfect for staying hydrated. This summer favorite is also packed with beta-carotene, vitamin C, and lycopene—nutrients essential for reducing heart disease risk.
7. Tart Cherries
Tart cherries owe their bright red hue to anthocyanins, which provide anti-inflammatory and heart health benefits. They’re also rich in nitric oxide, which improves blood vessel function and circulation. For men, better blood flow means better performance—not just in the gym but also in the bedroom. Montmorency cherries and their juice are particularly beneficial.
8. Red Grapes
Red grapes are a classic heart-healthy snack packed with antioxidants and fiber. They help reduce triglycerides, lower LDL cholesterol, and improve blood vessel function. Keep a bunch on hand for an easy, delicious way to show your heart some love.
Final Thoughts
By incorporating these eight red foods into your diet, you’re taking a proactive step toward better heart health. Start small by adding a handful of raspberries to your breakfast or swapping white potatoes for red-skinned ones. With these simple changes, you’ll enjoy vibrant, flavorful meals and give your heart the care it deserves.
Show your heart some love—it’s been loving you all along.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two books, Prostate Cancer, Now What? A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery, and The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.