You’re never too young to start paying attention to your heart health, and one way to reduce your chance for heart disease, heart attack and stroke is by eating foods with nutrients that are particularly good for your heart.

Here is the best time of year to stock up on your favorite heart-healthy produce:

• Raspberries. These early summer berries are loaded with polyphenols, which help repair damage-causing free radicals in your body.
• Strawberries. These sweet treats, best from late May through June, can reduce the risk of heart attacks, thanks to their anthocyanin content.
• Blueberries. These are considered a superfood because they’re packed with resveratrol and flavonoids, which help prevent coronary disease. Stock up between June and late August.
• Asparagus. May through June is the best time to look for this powerful vegetable. In addition to reducing inflammation, asparagus can protect against certain types of cancer and give your brain an added boost.
• Tomatoes. A staple that’s best in the latter half of summer, tomatoes are rich with fiber and potassium, which is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Tomatoes are also rich in carotenoids, which reduces the risk for heart disease.
• Kale. These leafy greens pack a punch when it comes to nutrients. In addition to a host of vitamins, kale has heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation. These greens are best when the temperatures start to drop. Baby kale is delicious in the early part of the growing season, while more mature kale is best after cooler weather.

Herbs to Sprinkle on All Summer Long

• Basil. This fragrant green adds a layer of flavor to salads and meat alike. It’s full of vitamin A and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Chives. These mild onions are a good source of allicin, which may contribute to lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Chives also offer a bounty of vitamin A and antioxidants.
• Dill. Magnesium helps move your muscles. Your heart needs it to contract. Dill is full of magnesium, iron, calcium and dietary fiber.

Find a farmers market near you whether you’re in Chicago or the suburbs. You can also visit Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute for more information on heart health, and heart disease prevention and treatment.

Download and print your summer produce shopping list.