At the office, it can be tempting to reach for salty snacks and sweet treats that help the day go by a little faster. Between potato chips in the vending machine and cupcakes in the break room, most workers have their fair share of junk food options. But for optimal heart health, consider taking your own nutritious snacks to work with you; below are a few delicious, nourishing, and easy-to-pack foods to snack on during the workday.

3 Delicious & Healthy Treats to Pack for Work   

1. Popcorn

Polyphenols are antioxidants that increase good cholesterol, enhance the inner lining of blood vessels, and discourage inflammation—all beneficial to heart health. Popcorn is packed with polyphenols. You can easily store a box of microwave popcorn in your desk at work, just be sure to forgo the ones with butter and salt. Pop a bag for an afternoon snack to enjoy the satisfying crunch from your desk.

2. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that prevent clots, lower blood pressure, and improve blood flow to the heart. Choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao to get the most heart health advantages. However, remember to eat everything in moderation. Consider purchasing a bag of snack-size dark chocolate bars and storing it at home; then throw a few bars in your purse or briefcase every morning before work so you'll have them for later in the day.

3. Apples

Like popcorn, apples are rich in flavonoids that support heart health and prevent cardiovascular disease. Eating an apple a day has even been shown to lower bad cholesterol that can damage the heart. Apples also have a natural energy-boosting property, making them the perfect snack for that mid-afternoon work slump.

To stay on top of your heart health, be sure to see a heart doctor for cardiac screenings and high cholesterol and blood pressure monitoring. DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA, in Rochelle Park, NJ, is here to help. Dr. Leonard DiVagno has more than two decades of experience caring for patients throughout the Bergen County, NJ, area. To schedule an appointment, call his office today at (201) 845-3535, visit them online, or message them on Facebook or Twitter.