Your heart is incredibly precious and you should give it lots of love. Here are some easy steps to get you on the heart health path according to tescomagazine.com
1. Visit the dentist
Seriously! Did you know having your teeth professionally cleaned helps to stop the build-up of bacteria that can lead to artery inflammation? This could cut your risk of a heart attack by nearly a quarter, according to recent research.
2. Eat well
Choosing a healthy, balanced diet will help to protect your heart. Aim for at least five portions of fruit and veggies each day, and two portions of fish a week – one of which should be oily fish. Cut down on saturated fats and swap butter for olive oil, choose lean cuts of meat and grill or steam foods instead of frying.
3. Watch the booze
If you drink alcohol, make sure you stick to a sensible limit. ‘No more than three to four units a day for men, and two to three a day for women. And the rules apply to both occasional drinkers and those who drink every day. Exceeding those limits can lead to damage of the heart muscle, high blood pressure, stroke and some cancers.
4. Slash your salt
On average, we each consume around 9g of salt per day. But reducing that to the guideline daily amount of a maximum of 6g (about one teaspoon) per day could cut our risk of heart disease by 10 percent. Avoid adding salt to the food you prepare and use the label to look for salt in products such as ready meals, bread, and breakfast cereals.
5. Know your family
Did you realize you are more at risk of coronary heart disease if your father or brother developed it under the age of 55, or if your mother or sister suffered heart disease under the age of 65? Make sure you tell your doctor if your family has been affected.
