Eating for a healthy heart is important for a long and healthy life.
Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States. Many factors contribute to this unfortunate statistic: a stagnant lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and a nonchalant attitude. A simple change in our diet could lead to a healthier heart and a longer life. Here are some tips on how to eat with your heart in mind.
Eating Heart Smart
Eliminate trans fat. Trans fat clog arteries and lead to high cholesterol, so it would be a good idea to eliminate these from your diet. Clogged arteries force your heart to work harder to pump normal amounts of blood.
Cook heart-smart. Cooking with less salt and less calorie-ridden foods are a great way to treat your heart right. Steaming, baking, broiling, or grilling are great alternatives to frying. Add herbs and spices to enhance the flavor, instead of salt.
Use whole grains. Fiber in whole grains like oats, quinoa, whole wheat, and barley can all help lower your heart pressure. People who eat more whole grains are 29 percent less likely to get heart disease.
Control your portions. America’s biggest problem is portion control. In a country that has buffets on every street corner, it’s easy to see how people can lose their sense of a proper portion. Choosing smaller portions limits calorie intake, which will lead to weight loss. This helps your heart because being overweight is linked with heart disease.
Eating right and exercise is about all you can do to reduce your chances. The rest is left to the fates to decide. Finding the right short term health insurance policy doesn’t have to be difficult when working with the right insurance agent. Contact the insurance professionals at Donald Weiss Insurance Services in Santa Monica for all of your health care needs throughout Southern California.