7 Heart-Healthy Snacks to Boost Your Heart Health

Your heart works tirelessly for you; why not return the favor with snacks that love it back?

Good snacks should taste great and support your heart, not punish you with bland flavors.

The right foods can help lower cholesterol, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation without sacrificing taste.

And believe this or not, one of the heart-healthy snacks we’re going to talk about is actually candy. 

Key Takeaways

• Heart-healthy snacks can actually taste good, like beetroot hummus and roasted chickpeas.

• Swap coffee for matcha or hibiscus tea to give your heart an extra boost.

• Sugar-free CoQ10 gummies make heart support easy without the usual supplement hassle.

1. Matcha Tea

Matcha tea delivers a powerful punch of antioxidants that help protect your heart from damage. This vibrant green powder contains catechins, particularly EGCG, which research shows can lower LDL cholesterol and reduce inflammation in your blood vessels.

Unlike regular green tea, matcha uses the entire leaf, giving you about 137 times more antioxidants. Studies suggest drinking matcha regularly can help reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 31%.

The caffeine in matcha also provides a gentle energy boost without the jitters, making it perfect for replacing your morning coffee. Plus, how to make matcha tea is simple: whisk one teaspoon of matcha powder with hot water (not boiling) until frothy, then add steamed milk if you prefer.

2. Sugar Free CoQ10 Gummies

Your heart needs CoQ10 to function properly, but your body produces less of it as you age. CoQ10 gummies offer a convenient way to support your cardiovascular health without the bitter taste of traditional supplements.

Red yeast rice with CoQ10 creates a powerful combination for heart health. Red yeast rice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and contains natural compounds that help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

When combined with CoQ10, it supports both cholesterol management and cellular energy production in your heart muscle.

GOJOY's Red Yeast Rice CoQ10 Gummies combine these two heart-healthy ingredients in a sugar-free format that's actually enjoyable to take.

These functional gummies provide real cardiovascular benefits. They're made with monk fruit for sweetness and are third-party tested to ensure purity. 

What makes these gummies particularly effective is that they use the best red yeast rice that's been carefully processed to remove citrinin, a potentially harmful compound found in some lower-quality products.

The gummy format makes it easy to take your heart supplements consistently, which is key for seeing results. They’re practically vegan, sugar-free gummy bears. 

Related: Red Yeast Rice Benefits for Heart Health

3. Beetroot Hummus

Beetroot hummus combines two heart-healthy ingredients into one delicious snack. Beetroot contains nitrates that your body converts to nitric oxide, which helps relax and widen your blood vessels. This process can lower your blood pressure and improve blood flow to your heart.

The chickpeas in hummus add fiber and plant-based protein that help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce LDL cholesterol. Studies show that eating hummus regularly can lower your risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation throughout your cardiovascular system.

Making beetroot hummus is simple: blend cooked chickpeas, roasted beetroot, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic until smooth. The natural sweetness of beetroot balances the earthy flavor of chickpeas, creating a vibrant pink dip that's as nutritious as it is Instagram-worthy.

4. Chickpeas

Chickpeas deserve their own spotlight as a heart-healthy snack. These fiber-rich legumes contain soluble fiber that binds to cholesterol in your digestive system and removes it from your body before it can clog your arteries.

One cup of chickpeas provides about 12 grams of fiber, which is nearly half your daily requirement. This fiber also helps you feel full longer, preventing overeating that can lead to weight gain and increased heart disease risk.

Roasted chickpeas make an excellent crunchy snack that satisfies your need for something salty without the sodium overload of processed chips. Season them with herbs like rosemary or spices like paprika for extra flavor without extra calories.

5. Cacao

Raw cacao tastes nothing like the sugary chocolate bars you're used to. It's bitter, earthy, and packed with flavonoids that help keep your heart healthy. These compounds improve blood flow and can lower your blood pressure over time.

Dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao gives you similar benefits, but raw cacao powder or nibs deliver more antioxidants without added sugar. You can blend cacao powder into smoothies, sprinkle nibs on yogurt, or make your own chocolate treats using natural sweeteners.

The key is moderation. A small square of dark chocolate or a tablespoon of cacao nibs gives you the heart benefits without overdoing the calories. Your taste buds might need time to adjust to the bitter flavor, but most people grow to love it.

6. Papaya

Papaya doesn't get much attention, but it should. This tropical fruit contains lycopene, the same antioxidant found in tomatoes, which helps protect your arteries from damage. It also has fiber that helps lower cholesterol levels. 

And yes, we know that popping up this fruit can be a little confusing, so how to cut a papaya, exactly?

Cutting it is actually easier than you think: slice it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, peel the skin, and cut the flesh into chunks. The seeds are actually edible and have a peppery taste, though most people toss them.

Fresh papaya makes a great snack on its own, but you can also add it to smoothies or mix it with lime juice and chili powder for a Mexican-style treat. The enzyme papain in papaya also helps with digestion, so it's a good choice after heavy meals.

7. Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea has a tart, cranberry-like flavor that's refreshing hot or cold. Studies show it can lower blood pressure as effectively as some medications, making it a simple addition to your heart-healthy routine.

The anthocyanins in hibiscus give it that deep red color and help reduce inflammation in your blood vessels. Drinking two to three cups daily can make a real difference in your cardiovascular health over time.

You can buy hibiscus tea bags or steep dried hibiscus flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Add honey or stevia if you find it too tart. Iced hibiscus tea makes a great substitute for sugary drinks, and the natural tartness pairs well with fresh mint or citrus.

Stay Healthy With GOJOY

There are many snacks you can enjoy to keep your heart healthy, but if you really want to take this to the next level, choose something that you can easily and conveniently take with you wherever you go. 

That’s actually one of the primary thoughts we had in mind when we made our GOJOY Red Yeast Rice CoQ10 Gummies. It’s simple, really; they taste nice, don’t feel like a chore, are scientifically proven to support your heart, and are completely vegan. You can’t go wrong here. 

If you’re interested, browse our list of healthy supplements for various physical needs. Your health comes first, after all. 

Also Read: Side Effects of Statins vs Red Yeast Rice