Seven tasty everyday foods are front-line warriors against heart disease.

That's the conclusion of researchers from King's College London who recently published results of a 10-year study on the diet and heart health of more than 3,100 people, and the metabolites in the urine of more than 200 of those adults.

The researchers found that people who ate a diet packed with plant-based polyphenols (anti-inflammatory compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids) have healthier blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as a measurably lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

What are these "magnificent seven" that battle atherosclerosis, heart attack, and vascular problems?

Move over Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, Robert Vaughn, James Coburn, Horst Buchholz, and Brad Dexter. Here come the magnificent seven for your heart:

1. Tea

2. Coffee

3. Berries

4. Cocoa

5. Nuts

6. Whole grains

7. Olive oil

I recommend that starting today, you get a daily dose of coffee and/or tea (black, no sugar added); blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries; dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher, just 1 ounce a day); unsalted walnuts and almonds (especially good for the heart); barley, farro, millet, or steel-cut oats (100% whole wheat); and extra-virgin olive oil and other poly- and monounsaturated fats such as avocado, canola, flaxseed, fish, and safflower oil.

For great recipes using these ingredients, check out my "The What to Eat When Cookbook."