Maintaining the right mix of lifestyle habits and eating a healthy diet are the best ways to achieve optimal fitness. Help minimize heart disease and promote a strong cardiovascular system by adding these anti-inflammatory foods to your diet:

1. Nuts. Especially almonds, walnuts and cashews, nuts contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Eat a moderate portion every day.
2. Whole soy protein. If you substitute whole soy protein, such as edamame or tofu, for animal protein each day, you can lower levels of homocysteine, a toxic amino acid linked to increased risk of heart disease.
3. Fresh garlic. This medicinal herb has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. Use one or two raw or lightly cooked cloves a day.
4. Green tea. It provides EGCG, a polyphenol than may help to moderate inflammation and lower cholesterol. Substitute a cup of heart-healthy green tea for your morning coffee or afternoon soda.
5. Soluble fiber. It has a powerful cholesterol-lowering effect. Beans, legumes and whole grains are good sources to add to your diet - aim for 1-2 servings per day.

Eating Anti-Inflammatory
Whole soy foods are part of Dr. Weil's Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid. Start your free trial of Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging for access to an exclusive version of the pyramid that has links to recipes using heart-healthy ingredients. Start your 14-day free trial now and save up to 30%!

(RE-SCHEDULED, date to come...) Dr. Weil on Larry King Live Tonight
Dr. Weil's new book, Why Our Health Matters: A Vision of Medicine That Can Transform Our Future, is due on shelves Sept. 8th. Don't miss his scheduled appearance on Larry King Live on CNN tonight, Sept. 7th. Check local listings for times and stations, and learn more about Why Our Health Matters.