Any fitness expert will tell you that a great physique comes from exercising and watching what you eat. The battle of the bulge begins in the kitchen and continues on in the gym, or some sort of outdoor activity. The quick fixes, the pills, the lipo-surgery, they are all short cuts that can possibly cause your heart damage and they do not guarantee that you will not regain the weight. Some of us eat to live while others, like myself, live to eat so we have to be careful what we eat. Some food items healthy for your heart, might need to be restricted or ignored if you have other health issues.
A leading cause of death among men and women is heart disease. It is a hereditary problem for many people and it is also brought on by age, diet, and smoking cigarettes. What you eat can increase your chances for high blood pressure, stroke, or a heart attack so it’s important to eat heart-healthy foods to lower your risk of this killer of men and women.
Consuming salt-free nuts like walnuts, almonds, peanuts, and pistachios is a good start. They should be low in sodium and should be eaten in place of potato chips . Eating these natural items as a snack a few times a day is the healthier choice for your heart, they are very tasty and go great in salads and health deserts like yogurt, but some people are allergic to them; not to fear, you still have other choices.
Raisins are another natural item you should snack on or even put into your salads. Eating them a few times a day may lower your blood pressure, and they help fight gum disease. Gum disease and plaque build up are linked to heart disease, so make sure you brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash daily to help stay heart healthy. Although raisins are good for your heart, if you are diabetic you need to avoid them due to its high sugar content.
Fatty fish such as herring, lake trout, salmon, and albacore tuna have Omega-3 fatty acids that can decrease blood pressure, lower your chances of arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat), and decrease the risk of atherosclerotic plaque in your heart.
Dry wine and dark chocolate have been found to have healthy benefits for the heart but they need to be taken in moderation. Overindulgence in either one can have detrimental effect on you. You don’t want to become addicted to either one. No sense in becoming an alcoholic and getting locked up for a DUI or eating all that chocolate just to gain weight. If you’re diabetic, you know to stay away from the chocolate; you can still have wine if you are diabetic, as long as it’s a dry red wine and not a sweet one. If anything, water is the healthiest liquid to drink for everyone. It’s the universal best refreshment.
Whole grains like whole wheat, barley, oatmeal, brown rice, oats, and rye are rich in fiber which helps you keep a healthy weight. It also helps you maintain a healthy blood cholesterol level and it lowers your risk of stroke and heart disease. Stay away from the enriched white bread and pastas and white rice; they are not the healthier alternative. Eat whole grain.
Another natural item you should eat are tomatoes because tomatoes have the antioxidant lycopene in them, which gives tomatoes their red color. Lycopene is still evident in the tomato even when its cooked so don’t feel like you must eat them raw if you don’t like them uncooked.
As usual, speak to your doctor about your health issues and have your doctor refer you to a nutritionist so that you may discuss your food choices and decide on the proper food lifestyle for you. Bon appetite!