NutsGrabbing a handful of nuts is a heart healthy way to beat the afternoon itch for a cookie, Madden says. "Almonds are very high in heart healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E and fiber, while walnuts are a great plant based source of an omega 3 fatty acid called alpha linolenic acid." According to the American Heart Association, monounsaturated fats can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol in your blood and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.