A fatty heart puts your health at risk, regardless of your weight. Here's how to avoid it

By Lisa Drayer, CNN

Updated 1038 GMT (1838 HKT) June 1, 2021

High in energy-dense <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996916303143" target="_blank">fatty acids</a> and antioxidants in the form of <a href="https://utswmed.org/medblog/polyphenols/" target="_blank">polyphenols</a>, the juçara berry is the latest tasty treat to be branded a superfood. <strong>Click through the gallery to see more health-boosting superfoods.</strong>
Photos: Fill your plate with superfoods
High in energy-dense fatty acids and antioxidants in the form of polyphenols, the juçara berry is the latest tasty treat to be branded a superfood. Click through the gallery to see more health-boosting superfoods.
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High in "good" fat and low in carbs, avocados have been linked to improved <a href="https://catalyst.harvard.edu/news/article/one-avocado-a-day-helps-lower-bad-cholesterol-for-heart-healthy-benefits/" target="_blank">cardiovascular health</a> through boosting "good" cholesterol and reducing "bad" cholesterol. Avocados have a whole host of other health benefits, too: high in folate, vitamin K, and vitamin C, they also contain <a href="http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/Nutrition/PotassiumHandout.pdf" target="_blank">more potassium</a> than bananas.
Photos: Fill your plate with superfoods
High in "good" fat and low in carbs, avocados have been linked to improved cardiovascular health through boosting "good" cholesterol and reducing "bad" cholesterol. Avocados have a whole host of other health benefits, too: high in folate, vitamin K, and vitamin C, they also contain more potassium than bananas.
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Despite containing just 30 calories per cup, broccoli is one of the most nutrient-dense foods. That means plenty of filling fiber and polyphenols -- antioxidants that detoxify cell-damaging chemicals in your body -- with each serving.
Photos: Fill your plate with superfoods
Despite containing just 30 calories per cup, broccoli is one of the most nutrient-dense foods. That means plenty of filling fiber and polyphenols -- antioxidants that detoxify cell-damaging chemicals in your body -- with each serving.
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The old adage goes "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" — and with <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC442131/#:~:text=In vitro and animal studies,reducing risk of chronic disease." target="_blank">studies</a> showing a link between apples and lowered risk of chronic disease, it seems there might be some truth to it. A great source of antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C and potassium, apples have also been <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00394-012-0489-z" target="_blank">shown</a> to reduce "bad" LDL cholesterols.
Photos: Fill your plate with superfoods
The old adage goes "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" — and with studies showing a link between apples and lowered risk of chronic disease, it seems there might be some truth to it. A great source of antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C and potassium, apples have also been shown to reduce "bad" LDL cholesterols.
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Blueberries are often singled out as a superfood because studies have shown they aid in everything from fighting cancer to lowering cholesterol. But all berries, including raspberries, strawberries and blackberries, contain antioxidants and <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/phytonutrients-faq" target="_blank">phytonutrients</a>. Worried about the price of fresh fruit? Experts say frozen berries are just as "super."
Photos: Fill your plate with superfoods
Blueberries are often singled out as a superfood because studies have shown they aid in everything from fighting cancer to lowering cholesterol. But all berries, including raspberries, strawberries and blackberries, contain antioxidants and phytonutrients. Worried about the price of fresh fruit? Experts say frozen berries are just as "super."
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The fruit of a palm tree, açaí berries are high in fiber and loaded with antioxidants including <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17824205/" target="_blank">polyphenols and anthocyanins</a>. Their high fat content makes them super energizing, and they are popular as a pre- and post-workout snack. Açaí berries have a short shelf-life when fresh, so are most often consumed dried or as a frozen puree.
Photos: Fill your plate with superfoods
The fruit of a palm tree, açaí berries are high in fiber and loaded with antioxidants including polyphenols and anthocyanins. Their high fat content makes them super energizing, and they are popular as a pre- and post-workout snack. Açaí berries have a short shelf-life when fresh, so are most often consumed dried or as a frozen puree.
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A good source of lean protein, salmon provides a high dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which studies suggest are <a href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=3054" target="_blank">beneficial for heart health</a> because they reduce inflammation and slow the rate of plaque buildup in blood vessels.
Photos: Fill your plate with superfoods
A good source of lean pro