Beans
Fiber, especially the soluble kind in beans, is linked with improved heart health. Chickpeas give one of the best cholesterol-lowering boosts. Just 1/3 cup of chickpeas contains about 12 grams of fiber — half your daily value. What’s more, these hearty beans are packed with antioxidants and associated with lower LDLs.
Black beans are also fiber-dense, with 8 grams in a half-cup, 100-calorie serving. You’ll get plenty of filling plant-based protein too.
Lentils are pulses, a.k.a. the dry edible seeds of certain crops (like beans, chickpeas, and peas). Pulses are everywhere these days because they’re packed with plant-based protein and fiber, not to mention antioxidants, minerals, and B vitamins. All of those compounds help protect you from plaque buildup while optimizing blood flow and assisting your body in efficiently using the nutrients you consume.