Cardiovascular Fitness and Heart – Healthy Living

Having a healthy heart and cardiovascular system is essential for living an active, happy, and long life. The way you treat your body at present, especially your lungs and heart, will pay dividends as you age. The heart is the most significant muscle in the body that should be protected, nurtured, and strengthened.

FOODS for a HEALTHY HEART

• Fish
• Fresh fruits
• Green leafy vegetables
• Healthy oils
• Lean Protein
• Omega fatty acids (3, 6, 9)
• Organic or natural foods

FOODS to LIMIT or AVOID

• Alcoholic beverages
• Baking soda
• Butter
• Chocolate and sugary goods
• Fried foods
• MSG
• Refined grain products
• Sodas
• Red meats
• Refined sugar
• Table salt
• Tenderizers

ATTITUDES TOWARD a HEALTHY HEART

• Join meditation, yoga, visualization, or Tai Chi classes
• If you feel something is wrong, immediately seek help from a health care professional
• Exercise regularly
• Practice relaxation and rejuvenation techniques
• Keep a healthy weight
• Focus on heart disease prevention
• Take natural supplements such as herbs to treat, manage, and keep the heart healthy
• Live a stress-free life
• Stop Smoking

HEART-HEALTHY LIVING ESSENTIALS

Vitamin C and Antioxidants – Keep blood pressure low.

Niacin, Chromium Picolinate, and Selenium – Lower the bad Low-Density-Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

Multivitamins and Minerals’ Supplements – Supplement the human diet and provide necessary nourishment.

Ginkgo Biloba – Prevents infections and free radical build in the body.

Garlic – Lowers the blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol levels in the body.

Essential Fatty Acids – Prevent stiffening of the arteries.

Calcium and Magnesium – Improve the functionality of the cardiac muscles.

Although you lack the power to completely eradicate some risk factors – like age or family history — you can successfully prevent cardiovascular diseases by following a heart-healthy lifestyle.