Take breaks to stand or stretch
If you have a sedentary lifestyle or job, take breaks to stand or stretch. This can help improve your circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Best for heart
Follow a plant-based diet
A plant-based diet centered around plants is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, and low in saturated fats. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains into your diet can improve heart health.
Practice dental hygiene
Poor dental hygiene is linked to heart disease. Brush and floss your teeth daily to prevent gum disease. Regular dental check-ups are also important to maintain overall health.
Enjoy moderate physical activities
Find moderate physical activities that you enjoy and that you can incorporate into your routine, such as walking, dancing, or gardening. Regular physical activity can improve your overall heart health and fitness.
Limit sugar intake
Limit sugar intake. Excessive sugar intake can lead to obesity, inflammation, high triglycerides, and diabetes, all of which increase the risk of heart disease. Limit sugary beverages, sweets, and processed foods with high sugar.
Keep a food diary
Maintaining a food diary can help you track your eating habits and make healthier dietary choices. It’s a useful tool for managing weight, a key factor in heart health.
Read food labels
Understanding food labels can help you make healthier choices. Look for foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars. Pay attention to serving sizes and the number of servings per container.
Avoid crash diets
Crash diets can be harmful to your health, especially your heart. Opt for a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients to support heart health and maintain a healthy weight.
Know your blood pressure readings
Understanding your blood pressure readings and what they mean is important for heart health. Regular monitoring can help detect hypertension early and prevent heart-related complications.
Use heart-healthy cooking methods
Healthy cooking methods like baking, broiling, steaming, and grilling are healthier alternatives to frying. These methods help retain the nutritional value of food and reduce unhealthy fat intake.