For Valentine’s Day we focus on the heart, so let’s take a look at some great healthy heart tips!
- Stop smoking – This can be the single most important thing you can do for your heart that is controllable.
- Lose weight – If you are storing a lot of fat in the belly area, you are likely to have higher blood pressure and stress on your heart.
- Eat more fish – Fish is very high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is very healthy for the heart
- Laugh more – According to the AHA, research suggests laughing can lower stress hormones, decrease inflammation in your arteries, and raise your levels of high-density lipoprotein (HLD), also known as “good cholesterol.”
- Less salt – Salt can result in higher blood pressure increasing stress on heart.
- Move more – Exercise keeps that heart healthy. It also helps control fats in the blood and blood sugar levels
- Know your numbers – Do regular check-ups on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Check your resting and active heart rates and how they compare with similar people in your age group.
- Eat Chocolate – The perfect Valentine’s sweet! Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that help reduce inflammation, which helps keep the heart healthy. Just don’t eat too much.
- Go nuts – Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and other tree nuts deliver a powerful punch of heart-healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Including them in your diet can help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Remember to keep the serving size small, suggests the AHA. While nuts are full of healthy stuff, they’re also high in calories.
- Have a pet – Our pets offer more than good company and unconditional love. They also provide numerous health benefits. Studies reported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggest that owning a pet may help improve your heart and lung function. It may also help lower your chances of dying from heart disease.
Keep your heart healthy so you can share your love with someone this Valentine’s Day!