We celebrate Valentine’s Day and Heart Health Month in February, which makes it the perfect time to re-focus on heart-healthy foods!

Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, so no matter what your age, your awareness of what you are eating and how you are moving needs to be considered.

Sure, you can pass on the salt and trim excess fat from meat. But if you really want to maintain a healthier heart, start eating more foods naturally designed to nourish and protect the heart.

Start with these lesser-known favorite foods:

Tea

Studies show tea drinkers tend to have a reduced risk of heart disease and strokes. Compounds in tea are thought to help maintain healthy veins and arteries and reduce the formation of blood clots.

Barley

Eating barley as part of a healthy diet may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol. Barley is rich in fiber, especially a type of soluble fiber, beta-glucan, which has the ability to lower total and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) — or bad — cholesterol. Barley is for more than soup, try side dishes like barley pilaf, it cooks like rice.

Avocado

Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, avocados have an abundance of heart-healthy nutrients — vitamin E, folate and vitamin B6. They naturally contain cholesterol-lowering plant sterols. Avocados are a good source of potassium that helps control blood pressure by lowering potassium. Avocados are excellent toppings for chili, salad and sandwiches. Replace mayonnaise with a slice of avocado.

Salmon

Super-rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fats, which help prevent blood clotting, ease inflammation and help prevent abnormal heartbeats. In addition omega-3 fats have been linked to boosting mood and brain function. The ultimate fast food, salmon can provide you with a meal in minutes. Just broil and serve with a hearty salad!

Tomato

Tomatoes are one of the highest sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Studies show a high intake of lycopene is linked to a lower risk for heart attacks.

Tomatoes contain other substances that may help prevent plaque from clogging arteries.

Carrots

Carrots are packed with nutrients for a healthy heart. Unique to carrots is the rich content of vitamin A and beta-carotene. Studies show those who eat one serving a day of carrots or other food rich in beta-carotene (think squash) decrease the risk of a heart attack by 60 percent.