Heart Healthy Snacks

Snacks and meals are meant to be savored, anticipated and nourishing. One key to balanced meals and good heart health is to satisfy between meal cravings with nourishing snacks. Author of "Heal Your Heart with Wine and Chocolate," Debora Yost, lists seven foods researchers found key in optimum heart health. The most snack friendly of these heart healthy food are almonds, vegetables, fruits and chocolate.

Nuts

Almonds are particularly beneficial to heart health specifically, according to a group of University Medical Center Rotterdam medical researchers. Unsalted almonds are the better choice for people with high blood pressure. Raw, uncooked nuts retain more natural nourishment. Moreover, protein postpones hunger longer, aiding in weight management. Nuts are also a low fat source of protein from heart friendly good fats.

Vegetables

Sliced and ready to go in containers, fresh vegetables are a filling fat-free snack. Begin with a medley of fragrant fresh olives in purples and greens until favorite varieties are identified. Enjoy with bite size raw broccoli, cauliflower or green beans tossed lightly in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Vibrant purple cabbage sauteed in a touch of olive oil and lightly seasoned is enjoyable hot or cold. Vary the colors of vegetables for overall health and interest.

Sweet Snacks

Fresh fruit is another of a nature's fat free delicacies. The sun brings out the fruit's natural sweetness. Like vegetables, the body requires about five servings of fruit a day so indulgence is justified. Pick ripe or purchase in season to capture fruit at the height of flavor. Additionally, dark chocolate contributes to vascular health when it has a high percentage of cacao rather than the soft creamy milk chocolate higher in fat.