Diet can have major potential effects on cardiovascular health, although the specifics depend on the aspect of health in question. For example, there’s strong evidence to suggest that a diet low in salt and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish[1] like the Mediterranean diet[2] is effective for the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and diets high in nitrate-containing foods like beetroot juice, kale, and spinach may have the potential to improve cardiovascular aspects of athletic performance, although the magnitude of these effects for high-performing athletes is questionable.[3]
How could diet affect cardiovascular health?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Diet significantly affects cardiovascular health, and evidence shows that a low-salt diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish (such as the Mediterranean diet) helps prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Additionally, diets that are high in nitrate-containing foods may enhance certain cardiovascular aspects of athletic performance, though the extent of these benefits for elite athletes is uncertain.