Since the time of our human ancestors, we have known that a balanced diet is essential to good health. The right foods at the right time help keep our bodies running smoothly and protect against disease. But today, most of us are guilty of overeating or under-eating. This imbalance can lead to a variety of health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. If you’re looking to improve your heart health and cut down on your risk of developing chronic diseases, you might want to consider eating more heart-healthy foods. Check out these top 5 heart healthy foods right now: 1. Salmon: Salmon has been widely acknowledged for its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids — necessary for keeping our cardiovascular system in check and our body immune systems strong. In fact, studies suggest that eating at least two servings per week provides important benefits such as reduced risk of both heart disease and cancer . A recent meta-analysis found that salmon reduced the risk of death by up to 24% , even when compared with other fish like tuna or farm-produced fish like mackerel . Make sure to get wild-caught salmon from sustainable fisheries where fishing methods don’t threaten fish habitats or kill off native species . 2. Artichokes: Artichokes are proven nutritional powerhouses filled with water-soluble vitamins such as A, B complex, folic acid, niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus