Americans are falling short on heart-healthy phytonutrients, according to a new report released by the Nutrilite Health Institute.

It finds only two out of 10 Americans consume “prudent intake” levels of select heart-healthy phytonutrients, leaving the other 80 percent with a “cardio phytonutrient gap.” Phytonutrients are natural components or compounds of plants found in fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and teas. Amy Hendel, a registered physician assistant and health/wellness expert, offers these tips:

Cook with garlic and onions. Garlic and onions offer the benefits of allicin and quercitin, phytonutrients that support healthy blood pressure.

Snack heart-healthy. A cup of tea with apple slices, a small piece of dark chocolate or a handful of nuts are all good, heart-healthy snack options.

Make small changes. Improving your heart health can be as easy as making small changes to your diet. Toss a handful of blueberries onto your cereal, add some chopped apples to your salad or snack on some grapes.

Meet those daily goals. For those who find it hard to get enough fruits and vegetables, natural, plant-based supplements can help close the “cardio phytonutrient gap.”

For more information, visit www.nutrilite.com/color.

– Courtesy of Family Features