9. Fatty Fish
As one of nature’s best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon has many health benefits, including reducing inflammation and triglycerides.
Whether you go fresh or canned, eating at least two servings of tuna per week can help slow the growth rate of plaque, according to the American Heart Association. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can also decrease triglyceride levels, another risk factor for heart disease.
10. Olives and Olive Oil
This Mediterranean diet staple is chock-full of monounsaturated fatty acids, the type of fat linked with improving total cholesterol levels. Specific compounds in olives may also limit the initiation of the inflammatory process — another high cholesterol-promoting risk factor.
Plus, olive oil is packed with antioxidants like other plant-based oils: canola, avocado, flaxseed, peanut, sesame, coconut and walnut.