Keeping the Heart Healthy - exercise and nutrition

Written by Tena Moore


Regardless of the plethora of nutritional information available today, cardiovascular diseases still top the charts when it comes to deaths in the United States. The nutritional requirements for health haven’t changed that much over the years: fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, fish and lean meats, as well as exercise, are still the way to a healthy heart. If you are striving to keep your heart healthy there are a few things to keep in mind when you sit down to nourish yourself.

1)Your body needs soluble fiber not only to help lower cholesterol, but also for proper digestion. You can find this fiber in whole grains, nuts, and some vegetables and fruit. If you’re not getting enough fiber in your diet, think about adding ground flaxseed to your diet, or adding a daily drink of psyllium husks.

2) Plant stanols are healthy for the heart because they lower bad cholesterol. You can find them in vegetables and vegetable oils, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

3)Eat your Omega-3’s and eat them in abundance. They lower blood pressure, prevent clogged arteries, and lower your cholesterol. They are found in fatty fish, omega-3 enriched eggs, soy and flax.

Eating for a healthy heart is not about calories, it’s about nutrients. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes and fish are packed with heart healthy vitamins and minerals that will keep you healthy for years to come.




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Omega 3s raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol

Omega-3s can be found naturally in foods such as nuts, seeds and flaxseed oil, but is most commonly found in herring, salmon, halibut and other cold water fish. Regardless of omega-3s being found in these foods, most people don’t receive a great amount of omega-3 fatty acids from their diet. If you feel you may be lacking Omega 3s in your diet, fish oil supplementation can be essential.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are vital for healthy functioning digestive systems, kidneys and heart. They raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol, while prevent hardening of the arteries, stroke and heart attack. Studies have also found fish oil supplements can help with the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and slow down tumor growth.

Omega 3 fatty acids