Now is a good time to discuss Heart Health. "Heart disease" covers a multitude of medical problems like High Blood Pressure, Stroke, High Cholesterol, Heart Attack - the good new is that it's preventable. Taking care of your body is important if you want to enjoy every bit of this wonderful life we're living.
Here are my tips for healthier hearts.
1. Eat Grapes - yes, grapes!
Eating foods rich in polyphenols (naturally occurring plant compounds known to have antioxidant activity) helps reduce the risk of heart disease, according to a review article in the November, 2008, issue of Nutrition Research. Grape seeds, grape skin, and grape juice contain polyphenols. The report concludes that grape polyphenols can help to slow or prevent cell damage. In particular, these compounds help decrease LDL ("bad" cholesterol). Preventing cell damage is an important step in deterring the development of atherosclerosis. They also can reduce abnormal heart rhythms, and lower blood pressure. All this from the mighty little grape.
2. Eat Slower. When you eat, take the time to really savor each mouthful. Research has proven that it takes about 20 minutes for the signal from your stomach to reach your brain and tell it you are full. People who eat fast tend to over-eat and gain more weight and it's tough on your heart to carry around that extra weight.
3. Walking is an exercise that just about everyone can do and it's one of the best ways to prevent a host of diseases that can attack your body when it's inactive. Don't forget to breathe deeply when you walk. The combination of deep, full breaths and exercise will send fresh, oxygenated blood throughout your body making all the organs, glands and muscles healthier and happier. If you like walking but can't stand the cold, get a few friends together and join or start a "mall walking group".
Here are my tips for healthier hearts.
1. Eat Grapes - yes, grapes!
Eating foods rich in polyphenols (naturally occurring plant compounds known to have antioxidant activity) helps reduce the risk of heart disease, according to a review article in the November, 2008, issue of Nutrition Research. Grape seeds, grape skin, and grape juice contain polyphenols. The report concludes that grape polyphenols can help to slow or prevent cell damage. In particular, these compounds help decrease LDL ("bad" cholesterol). Preventing cell damage is an important step in deterring the development of atherosclerosis. They also can reduce abnormal heart rhythms, and lower blood pressure. All this from the mighty little grape.
2. Eat Slower. When you eat, take the time to really savor each mouthful. Research has proven that it takes about 20 minutes for the signal from your stomach to reach your brain and tell it you are full. People who eat fast tend to over-eat and gain more weight and it's tough on your heart to carry around that extra weight.
3. Walking is an exercise that just about everyone can do and it's one of the best ways to prevent a host of diseases that can attack your body when it's inactive. Don't forget to breathe deeply when you walk. The combination of deep, full breaths and exercise will send fresh, oxygenated blood throughout your body making all the organs, glands and muscles healthier and happier. If you like walking but can't stand the cold, get a few friends together and join or start a "mall walking group".
- Laughter really is the best medicine for healthy aging
- better heart health is easier than you think
- increase your endorphins - watch Ellen
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