TL:DR: Small choices matter for heart health. Foods rich in polyphenols may support blood vessel health and healthy cholesterol levels. Pair supportive nutrition with movement, stress recovery, and rest for lasting heart health benefits.
Heart Month is a great time to focus on small, realistic habits that support heart health.
And one of the easiest places to start is right on your plate.
Recent research is shining a light on polyphenols, plant compounds found in common foods and drinks that support long-term heart health. They might sound technical, but they show up in foods you already know and love.
Polyphenols act as natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They help protect blood vessels, support healthy circulation, and reduce strain on the cardiovascular system as we age. In a decade-long study, people who regularly consumed more polyphenol-rich foods had lower predicted heart disease risk and higher levels of HDL “good” cholesterol.
In other words, these everyday foods are doing some quiet, behind-the-scenes work for your heart.
The best part? You don’t need a specialty grocery run. Many of these foods are already in your kitchen or easy to add to your routine.

