Getting regular exercise, refraining from smoking and controlling stress are three ways to keep your heart in good shape.

Another way is to eat heart healthy foods. Scientists have identified five “super-foods” which can boost nutritional goodness.

These are:

Blueberries — one of the most powerful disease-fighting foods, containing a healthy antioxidant, fibre and vitamin C. You can add them to your breakfast cereal, pancakes or waffles, or eat them plain.

Salmon<$> — a great source of protein packed with heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids. You can prepare it under the grill, in the oven or on the stove, and eat with pasta, salads or mix into dips.

Soy protein — contains fibre, vitamins and minerals and can lower “bad” cholesterol. You can buy soy protein bars for a quick snack, or eat tofu, made of soy beans, with soup>

Oatmeal — contains vitamins, minerals and cholesterol-lowering fibre. It can also prevent cancer. Eating a bowl for breakfast can fill your stomach for hours.

Spinach — the powerhouse of the vegetable kingdom, containing vitamins and minerals which help fight disease, protect against heart disease and preserve your eyesight. You can keep frozen, chopped spinach in your freezer as an easy, quick addition to pizza, pasta, soups and stews.