Top Tips for a Healthy Heart

A healthy heart means you can live life to the full. This fact should not be taken for granted. Excess weight means that your heart has to work harder to supply blood to your body. It significantly increases the risks of heart diseases and related illnesses and stroke.

The good news is that heart diseases are potentially avoidable and preventable.

Controlling your weight and shape, being fit and active and eating a varied and balanced diet will help to keep your heart in good condition.

Follow WLR’s top tips to keep your heart healthy.

Adopt a balanced and varied diet comprising whole grain products, fruit and vegetables, lean meat, fish and pulses.

Fats

Get Fat Savy!

Reduce your intake of saturated fats. Increase your intake of unsaturated fats – monunsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Fibre

Increase your consumption of fibre rich foods. Most fibre rich foods are low in fat and packed with vitamins and minerals. Studies show that Soluble Fibre may be partly responsible for lower blood cholesterol.

Fruit & Vegetables

Get the message! Eating fruit and vegetables every day really does help to keep your body healthy and protect your heart against disease. The vitamin and mineral, folic acid and fibre content are essential for a healthy heart.

Sugar & Salt

Reduce your intake of both sugar and salt in your diet.

Water

Drink your 6-8 glasses of water each day to keep your body hydrated and strong.

Alcohol

Make sure you are counting your alcoholic units per week.

Smoking

You know the risks! Make a date to stop smoking now!

Regular exercise

Moderate physical activity can help to keep your heart strong and working in top condition.

Plan to keep yourself active and busy throughout each day.

You need to make sure you are attempting 30 minutes of ‘Exercise’ atleast 3 times a week.

Useful Links

British Heart Foundation