Your heart is by far the most important muscle in your body. Therefore, you’re best off trying to keep it as healthy as it can possibly be so that it continues to support your life functions for as long as it possibly can.

To help you with that, here are five foods that you’re going to want to add to your menu regularly to give your cardiovascular system both strength and endurance:

#1: Salmon

This particular protein is loaded with heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids that help lower your risk of heart disease, as well as protect you from other health related issues such as cancer, dementia, and even depression.

#2: Almonds

This plant based protein also has a high dose of omega 3 fatty acids, but it contains other good for you nutrients such as vitamins E and B, as well as other key minerals like calcium and magnesium. Adding this one food to your diet may very well lower your cholesterol levels and boost your immune system.

#3: Oatmeal 

Not only is this traditional breakfast food good for your heart (as it lowers your “bad” cholesterol and reduces your risk of high blood pressure), but it has also been found to prevent diabetes and make it easier to lose weight.

#4: Red Wine

While oatmeal keeps your “bad” cholesterol low, red wine improves your “good” cholesterol, which is a good thing. The key is to keep it at one glass per day as anything over that starts to hurt your health more than help it.

#5: Spinach

This dark, leafy green benefits your circulatory system by working to lower your blood pressure. Additionally, it also reduces any inflammation in your body, protects you from cancer, improves your immunity, and even gives you good skin.

Add these five foods to your diet and your heart, as well as the rest of your body, will benefit greatly.