Whenever you hear your parents’ voice telling you to eat for good nutrition, your conscience is serving you properly. In a world with so many diets that come and go quickly, one thing seems clear. Proteins and whole foods remain among the best for heart-healthy enthusiasts.

When you don’t like fish with a strong smell or aftertaste, salmon might be a nice alternative means to obtain omega-3 fatty acids. Alpha-Linolenic acid and fish oil are in bountiful supply when you eat a piece of salmon. If eaten at least two times per week, this can prevent your heart from accumulating plaque. It also can help us avoid having our arteries harden over time and lower blood pressure. If you don’t like fish at all, you can try taking fish oil capsules but remember to avoid taking too many (as doing so can cause a greater risk for internal bleeding).

If you’re tired of cashews, peanuts and pumpkin seeds try flaxseeds instead. They might remain unknown by many people but these are high sources of proteins and fiber. Flaxseeds also contain omega three fatty acids. Additionally, they contain phytoestrogens which may help regulate hormones in men and women. Hormones can affect the likelihood of heart problems as well.

If you don’t like the way your mom made oatmeal as a child, you may want to reconsider banishing it altogether. Oatmeal contains a rich source of omega-3′s, magnesium, calcium and niacin. All of these can help support efficient blood flow to and from the heart and may minimize cholesterol clumping within the arterial veins. In the name of health, try putting berries on your oatmeal in the morning or make oatmeal cookies with low sugar.

Drinking occasional red wine with dinner won’t make you a lush. Actually, you have considerable common sense. The fermented grapes contain reservatrol, which can help reduce the bad form of cholesterol (LDL). So the next time you sit down, celebrate good nutrition.