Certain foods can keep your heart healthy

We constantly hear that its not so much about quantity as it is about quality, and this does have its merits. However, the quantity of certain types of foods that we consume can play a huge factor in maintaining a healthy heart. Here at the Institute for Cardiology & Preventive Medicine we understand that healthy dieting and healthy physical activity can help deter, alter, or even reverse the effects of heart diseaseincluding the narrowing of arteries that prevent efficient blood flow in the body. The problem is that not everyone can make the transition from habitual lifestyle to a new, more prescriptive, healthy lifestyle easily. Often, the goal of maintaining a healthy heart simply involves being aware of, and staying in control of your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and physical weight. This is where food intake comes in handy since research has shown that focusing on the healthy foods you can, or should eat, often be as beneficial to the body as cutting out the foods you shouldnt eat. What to Eat Maintaining a healthy heart before problems surface need not be a daunting task. Often, it is as choosing to eat less of certain foods and more of others. Eat more Vegetables Eat more Fruits Eat more Whole Grains Eat more Healthy Fats (lean meats, fish, avocados) Drink more Water Eat less High-Cholesterol Foods (fried foods, processed fast foods) Eat less Salt Eat less Saturated Fats and Trans-Fats (butter, desserts, dressings) Eat less Bad Sugars (high-fructose corn syrup and other processed sugars) Drink less Milk (and high-fat dairy products that raise cholesterol blood levels)

Even if heart disease is already a problem, these small changes in food intake can help to manage cholesterol levels and help you maintain a healthy heart. How Much To Eat Again, as the list of things to eat more of and less of demonstrates, quality is definitely a factor when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart; however, quantity is also very important. Portion control of food intake and knowing what constitutes a proper serving size is essential in building a new healthier lifestyle.

Additional Tips Exercise and physical activity are a must when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart; however, the level of physical activity must be catered to the individual. Those who already suffer from heart disease should not, for example, attempt the same type of exercise as someone who does not. Maintaining a healthy heart should be a priority for everyone, but it doesnt have to be a burden. If you are in the Beverly Hills area, book an appointment with us for more personalized information on how to maintain a healthy heart.