For the most part, we've been inundated with information on foods we should avoid to keep our hearts healthy. But what we don't hear as much about are the foods we should eat in abundance in order to keep our tickers ticking.

There are a number of healthy foods that can provide protection against such threats to the heart as inflammation, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Among them are almonds, garlic, salmon, black beans, extra virgin olive oil, broccoli, oranges, carrots, low-fat Greek yogurt, and barley.

Adding some, if not all, of these foods to your diet is a great way to target-harden your heart against the risk of health complications. To safeguard your health further, follow the recommendation of the American Heart Association, who suggest taking a brisk walk for at least 20 to 30 minutes three times a week.