| What is the best diet for a healthy heart? Which | | | | Legumes, Grains, Nuts and Seeds - Lentils, tempeh, |
| foods can you eat which will improve your chances | | | | chickpeas, tahini, almonds, oats, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, |
| of cardiovascular wellbeing and a longer life? Certain | | | | flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds. |
| whole foods are known for their ability to support | | | | Fish - Oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, salmon and |
| heart health. Read on to find out which heart healthy | | | | tuna (2 - 3 times per week) or high-quality fish oil |
| foods you need to keep in your refrigerator and eat | | | | tablets provide essential fatty acids, which support |
| more regularly. | | | | many vital functions. |
| Heart disease is the number one cause of death for | | | | A heart health study in New Zealand: In 2004 the |
| Americans, New Zealanders - and in many other | | | | New Zealand Ministry of Health published a study that |
| Western nations. When combined with other | | | | looked at the causes of all deaths in New Zealand in |
| complications of hardened arteries, such as strokes, | | | | 1997. Researchers found that diet is the leading |
| heart disease accounts for over 40% of all deaths. | | | | cause of death with over 8500 attributable deaths in |
| Too much of the good life has gone straight to our | | | | 1997 - 30% of all deaths in that year. The majority |
| heart it seems. | | | | of these were cardiovascular deaths. |
| Heart disease is the term used to describe hardening | | | | One of the main risk factors for heart disease is a |
| of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and blood clots - | | | | diet low in plant fibre and high in animal foods, fried |
| which can result in blockage of the blood supply to | | | | foods and refined carbohydrates. By tipping this |
| the heart. The main symptom is angina, a pressure or | | | | balance towards whole plant foods we not only |
| pain in the chest, usually brought on by stress or | | | | protect and support the heart, we can actually repair |
| exertion. The worst outcome is a heart attack. | | | | arterial damage that has already occurred. Even the |
| Can we do anything to avoid suffering these | | | | healthiest body needs good food for maintenance |
| problems? | | | | and repair. When there has been damage there is an |
| Thankfully yes! And you have the power to make | | | | even greater need for proper nutrition. |
| the necessary positive changes. | | | | Other lifestyle recommendations for improved heart |
| Diet is clearly a major contributing factor to heart | | | | health: |
| disease. What should you eat for a healthier heart? | | | | Achieve a balanced intake of protein, complex |
| A diet of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, | | | | carbohydrate and fat. |
| legumes, nuts and seeds can gradually replace fatty | | | | Engage in regular aerobic exercise. |
| animal products, fried foods and refined | | | | Drink 6 - 8 glasses of water daily. |
| carbohydrates. This will improve blood cholesterol and | | | | Avoid fatty red meats, alcohol and coffee. |
| blood-fat balance. It will also lower blood pressure and | | | | Do not smoke. |
| provide nutrition to the heart muscle. | | | | Eliminate fried foods and processed convenience |
| Whole Foods with specific Benefits for the Heart and | | | | foods. |
| Circulation | | | | Avoid stress. |
| Vegetables - Broccoli, garlic, ginger, kale, Chinese | | | | Have more fun! |
| greens, parsley, red peppers, alfalfa sprouts. | | | | If you suspect you may be at risk from heart |
| Fruits - Lemons, oranges, apricots, blueberries, | | | | disease visit your doctor for a full assessment. |
| raspberries, papaya, mango. | | | | |