Good Fats and Greens Improve Heart Health

Improve Heart Health with Prevention

Here is some exciting health news! “Ninety-nine percent of heart disease is preventable by a few simple changes in diet and lifestyle,” says Dean Ornish, MD, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of California at San Francisco.  You can easily make these simple changes to improve heart health for you and your family.

Reduce Trans Fats to Improve Heart Health

Cut back on trans fats (found in partially hydrogenated oils in fried and many processed foods). These types of fats increase levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, which lines arteries with plaque and can cause a heart attack or stroke. Good fats, on the other hand—such as monounsaturated (think olive oil and avocados) lower LDL levels and raise levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. Click here for more Tips to Improve Heart Health.

Improve Heart Health by Limiting Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates are found in cakes, cookies, crackers and other processed foods. Moderate to heavy consumption of simple carbohydrates like these can double your risk of heart disease, a 2010 Archives of Internal Medicine study suggests. Add more fruits, vegetables, and clean protein in place of these processed snacks and you will improve your heart health.

Get Moving to Improve Heart Health

An in-active lifestyle is one of the top risk factors for heart disease. But, you have control over changing that! Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, has many benefits. They include: strengthening your heart, improving circulation, lowering blood pressure and improving muscle tone and strength to name a few. So take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk the kids to the bus stop instead of drive, and enjoy the great weather ahead while doing some spring yard work.

Don’t let change overwhelm you.  Take it slow, experiment with a new recipe, or change-up your regular afternoon snack.  Take advantage of the start of Spring this week and take a walk around your neighborhood.  Be patient, and have fun! Every good change counts toward your goal of improved heart health!

Sincerely,

Suzanne Sarro RN BSN LMT