Posts Tagged ‘Heart Health’
Sunday, January 22nd, 2012
Image via Wikipedia
Everybody knows there is a strong correlation between obesity and heart disease. Too many people in our western society are obese which can resulting in not only skyrocketing healthcare costs, but also bring on numerous other diseases, including heart disease.
The good news is that by making a commitment to change your eating habits and lifestyle habits, you can reach a healthy weight again and keep heart disease at bay. Here is how:
Obesity And Heart Disease: Know The Risks
By Maureen Hamilton
With so many people suffering from obesity these days, particularly in developed nations, it is important to understand the health risks surrounding excess weight gain. Obesity wreaks havoc on your physical body, and damages your mental state of mind; the cardiovascular problems associated with obesity affect both your physiological and neurological capacities, leading to issues like diabetes, depression, and most notably, heart disease. Heart disease is one of the most common and dangerous risks that obesity poses to people, so let’s take a closer look at the relationship between the two and what you can do to avoid engaging your body in this destructive relationship.
Obesity is defined as being overweight to the extent that a person’s BMI (Body Mass Index) is over 30. Obesity can be caused by genetic factors, such as a thyroid disorder, but it is most commonly caused by overeating, a lack of exercise, and a diet rooted in sugar, trans fat, and processed food consumption. A person suffering from obesity will have high levels of cholesterol and high blood pressure, the leading factors that cause heart disease. Additionally, obesity can cause sudden chest pains caused by a decrease in oxygen to the heart (angina) and has been known to cause sudden death from heart problems or stroke without signs or symptoms.
As evidenced above, obesity and heart disease and related and cause a serious threat to your health. The good news is that you have the ability to reduce the risk of these adverse effects now if you take your life back into your own hands and start developing healthier habits. Even if you are obese, changing your lifestyle to include exercise and healthy eating will decrease your chance for heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol; losing just 10% of your body weight will reduce these risks and get your heart back on track.
While heart problems and obesity can be caused by genetic factors, the ball is really in your court in terms of avoiding these dangerous health problems. You have the power to shape and control your eating and exercise habits-it is up to you to choose a healthy lifestyle and then make the commitment to live it day by day. Visit a nutritionist, make a healthy eating plan, join a gym or make an exercise plan on your own. All of these things will contribute to your overall health and sense of well-being, and will help you to avoid health problems that can impede on your enjoyment of life or even cut it short.
About the Author
Maureen Hamilton is an Integrated Neuro-Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner, Hypnotherapist and a Demartini Method Facilitator. Maureen has previously worked in many areas of health in Australia as well as overseas. Her health background includes training in general and midwifery nursing, mental health and children’s behavioural issues (including the effects of emotional trauma especially in children). Maureen is very much involved in promoting and assisting people to obtain optimal health and is absolutely committed to helping people to stop smoking and/or lose weight naturally using Hypnosis and NLP.
If you would like to find out more, visit http://masteryourlifepower.com and and talk to Maureen about your requirements.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6705864
Becoming healthy is up to you. Become educated and make the changes to fight obesity and avoid heart disease at all costs!
To Your Heart’s Health,
Monique Hawkins
Resources:
1. Most people love having clear arteries. Some people have just found out how to keep their heart arteries clear by taking a special vitamin called Vita Che. To learn more about this powerful supplement, visit Vita-Che-THE PRODUCT OF CHOICE FOR CIRCULATORY HEALTH! at http://tinyurl.com/d34e4yy
2. Forks Over Knives. Two doctors in this movie present, based on research, how going to a plant based diet can help reverse many diseases, including heart disease. To learn more http://www.forksoverknives.com/
3. The Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments of Congestive Heart Failure. You can make a difference. http://www.congestive-heart.com/
Tags: Bmi Body Mass Index, Body Mass Index, Cardiovascular Problems, Cause Heart Disease, Chest Pains, Circulatory Health, Congestive Heart Failure, Correlation, Destructive Relationship, Developed Nations, Diet Help, Diseases, Eating Habits, Excess Weight Gain, Food Consumption, Genetic Factors, Health Risks, Healthcare Costs, Healthy Heart, Heart Arteries, Heart Disease, Heart Failure, Heart Health, Heart Problems, High Blood Pressure, Knives, Lack Of Exercise, Lifestyle Habits, Many People, Maureen Hamilton, Monique, Obese, Obesity And Heart Disease, Problems Associated With Obesity, Processed Food, Thyroid Disorder, Two Doctors, Vita
Posted in Obesity and Heart Disease | No Comments »
Monday, October 24th, 2011
Most individuals with heart problems who want to get well know that following a heart patient diet plan is going to be crucial to their health.
There are many diets to consider, one of which is called the “Cardic” diet. Following the diet appears to be quite simple and seems to make a difference in people’s heart health.
Have a try with it and test how it helps improve your heart health!
To Your Heart’s Health,
Monique
Cardiac Diet
By Fiona Dewitt
Cardiac diets are extensively used and prescribed in most hospitals for patients with heart disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, hyperlipidemia, and dyslipidemia. A cardiac diet may be used as a part of a health regimen to either treat or prevent cardiovascular disease. It will typicallyconsist of foods that are classified as healthy because of their overwhelming nutritional advantages.
A cardiac diet will basically aim to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fibre while lowering the consumption of fats and sodium which have both been prominently associated with the development of heart disease. This health plan is often adjusted in the long-term based on the goals of the diet or the patient’s diagnosis. After a patient has been treated using this diet recommendation he or she will normally be referred to a dietician who will help him or her to maintain this diet.
Generally a cardiac or “heart healthy” diet as it has been called may be administered with the objective of restricting the intake of fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sometimes caffeine. In most instances, it will follow the guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program which has issued the following recommendations:
Fiber 20-30 grams per day.
Trans fat “kept at a low intake.”
Carbohydrates 50-60% of daily calories.
Total fat 25-35% of daily calories.
Saturated fat less than 7% of daily calories.
Monounsaturated fats up to 20% of daily calories.
Polyunsaturated fats up to 10% of daily calories.
Cholesterol less than 200 milligrams per day.
Dietary fats, especially saturated and trans fats, may actually contribute to elevating an individual’s overall cholesterol levels, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and triglycerides which can encourage the development and accumulation of plaque within the blood vessel walls. This build-up of plaque will ultimately lead to a decrease in the size of the blood vessel lumen. Saturated fats are predominantly found in animal products. This kind of fat has been linked to an increase of low-density lipoprotein levels (LDL), which are strongly associated with a heightened risk of heart disease. Unsaturated fats differ from saturated fats because they have double bonds. They can be substituted in place of saturated fats and are preferred because they help lessen the LDL levels. Cardiac diets are also low sodium diets. Sodium has been found to increase blood pressure, and has an additional negative effect on the diuretic properties of certain medications. Sodium is generally restricted to 2,000-4,000 mg per day, in relation to the patients diagnosis and medical regimen. Many cardiac diets do not only restrict sodium and fats but also caffeine. This is enacted because caffeine is a stimulant and may affect the deteriorated condition of the heart.
Basically a cardiac diet considers both the advantages of restricting certain types of foods as well as improving the consumption of healthy foods and nutrients.
Please visit this link for more information on http://www.cardiacdiet.org
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fiona_Dewitt
Tags: Cardiac Diet, Cardic Diet, Cholesterol Education Program, Dewitt, Diet Plan, Dietician, Fruits And Vegetables, Health Plan, Health Regimen, Heart Disease, Heart Health, Heart Healthy Diet, Heart Patient Diet, Heart Problems, Hyperlipidemia, Monounsaturated Fats, Myocardial Infarction, National Cholesterol Education, Polyunsaturated Fats, Whole Grains
Posted in Heart Diet | 1 Comment »
Sunday, July 17th, 2011
Image via Wikipedia
The best way to prevent heart problems in the future is to begin now by keeping your heart healthy. It’s actually pretty easy to do if are willing to make a commitment.
I just was reading a recent article about what a healthy heart diet plan looks like along with a couple of easy things a person can do to include it in their lifestyle. Below are a few brief excerpts from the article.
What Does A Healthy Heart Diet Consist Of And What Health Benefits Will You Gain By Following One?
By Mary Ruddy
To keep the body working, you need to have a healthy heart. It is the main organ of the body and when your heart is not functioning well, it means that your health is at risk. In America, diseases related to the heart are a leading cause of death. In fact, a healthy heart diet can prevent all of these things from happening.
Taking good care of yourself especially with what you are eating can result in a healthy heart. Below you are about to find out on what comprises a healthy heart diet.
Exercise is one of the essentials for a healthy heart. It is through exercise that you maintain normal heart function and burn excess fats that can cause cholesterol build up blocking your arteries.
Getting into a regular exercise regimen guarantees a healthy lifestyle and of course a healthy heart.
With regard to your exercise regimen, different bodies require different exercise regimens; therefore, you need to consult your fitness instructor on what is the appropriate exercise regimen for you.
When you need to lose weight because of excess fat, which is a risk factor for cholesterol build up, your goal in exercising is really to lose that excess fat.
On the other hand, the counterpart of exercise is a healthy heart diet. It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Surprisingly, a person who maintains a healthy diet will not be susceptible to heart disease even when they age. Avoiding cholesterol-rich foods is the first thing that you need to do.
There was lots of other good things in this article you will want to take a look at. To read the article in its entirety, go to http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Does-A-Healthy-Heart-Diet-Consist-Of-And-What-Health-Benefits-Will-You-Gain-By-Following-One?&id=5512808
Monique Hawkins
Tags: Arteries, Diet Exercise, Diet Plan, Excess Fats, Exercise Regimen, Fitness Instructor, Health Benefits, Healthy Diet, Healthy Heart, Healthy Lifestyle, Heart Diet, Heart Disease, Heart Health, Heart Patient Diet, Heart Problems, Keeping Your Heart, Leading Cause Of Death, Normal Heart Function, Recent Article, Risk Factor
Posted in Heart Diet | 2 Comments »
Sunday, May 29th, 2011
Today’s heart disease prevention tip has to do with nuts and how you should include them in your diet.
This came from a recent article in the May 15, 2011 issue of “Bottom Line Personal.” It says:
” Nuts are among the most potent remedies for heart health. Research shows that people who eat up to five times a week can reduce their risk for heart disease by 30% to 50%, according to the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study and other medical trials. People who eat nuts regularly have better heart health even when they eat unhealthy amounts of saturated fat or consume few fruits or vegetable.
The omega-3 fatty acids in nuts reduce arterial inflammation and the risk for clots. Nuts also contain oleic acid which improves cholesterol.
One small handful of nuts daily is good. Any kind of nut is fine, (including peanuts, which actually aren’t a nut), roasted or raw (no salt.)”
The bottom line, make sure you include nuts as part of a heart healthy diet plan everyday. Your heart will greatly benefit from it!
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885 anytime
Skype: Monique371
Tags: 3 Fatty Acids, Arterial Inflammation, Health Research, Health Study, Healthy Diet Plan, Heart Diet, Heart Disease, Heart Disease Prevention, Heart Health, Heart Healthy Diet, Heart Healthy Diet Plan, Medical Trials, Monique, Nurses Health, Nuts, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Peanuts, Prevention Tip, Recent Article, Reduce Inflammation
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Sunday, April 17th, 2011
For those who are seeking to change their lifestyle after having heart problems, and desire to incorporate a healthy heart disease diet, beware of salt!
Even if you never pick up a salt shaker at the dinner table, you may be getting an unhealthy amount salt in your diet. An abundance of studies indicates that too much salt puts people at risk for not only heart disease, but also cancer, osteoporosis, obesity, diabetes and the health problems that accompany high blood pressure.
There is some controversy about salt’s role in raising blood pressure, but research indicates that at least half of the people with high blood pressure are salt sensitive. These people benefit greatly from reducing the amount of sodium in their diets. As for the other half who isn’t salt sensitive, reducing salt intake can help lower the risks for other problems that affect those who get too much sodium.
The evidence for negative health impacts is so great that the FDA is in the process of revising its sodium guidelines to encourage people to protect their heart and health. It is possible that the new recommendations will be as low as 1,500 mg of sodium daily, which is the equivalent of about two-thirds of a teaspoon of table salt. Prior to this revision, the recommendation was for less than 2,300 mg. Statistics show that Americans consume an average of 3,400 mg of sodium every day, a frighteningly high number.
High blood pressure is a complex problem that may have compound causes. It may not be as simple as just cutting salt in the diet but this is a great first step to take in taking control of managing your high blood pressure. It is well proven that high blood pressure increases the risk for heart attacks and stroke and causes damage to the blood vessels. This damage can lead to kidney failure and hardening of the arteries, both of which further raise blood pressure.
Recent studies have indicated that those with high salt intake have increased calcium loss in the bones causing weakening and eventually osteoporosis. Other studies have shown that too much salt can increase insulin resistance, possibly leading to Type 2 diabetes. Certain cancers have even been linked to eating a diet overabundant in salty foods.
So what can you do to protect your heart by lowering sodium intake? First, be fully aware that salt is hidden in almost all processed foods. Without ever picking up the salt shaker and eating a normal diet of whole grains, salads, pasta with pre-made sauce, sandwiches, and flavored yogurt for a snack, daily sodium content can exceed 6,000mg.
Where is it all coming from? Even heart healthy foods seem to be packed with salt. The biggest culprits are pre-made soups, sauces, frozen foods, canned goods, and boxed meals. Read the nutrition label and ingredients, noticing how just one cup of soup or a half of a cup of spaghetti sauce can have one-third or more of the daily recommended amount of sodium. Read labels carefully, even labels of foods that you wouldn’t think have added sodium like diet pop. Look for salt and sodium in the ingredients.
A healthy heart disease diet means eating most meals at home and cooking from scratch. This way you can control the amount of salt in your diet. Season with pepper, garlic, herbs and spices and buy low-sodium products whenever possible.
Try a cleansing diet for a week to clear the excess sodium from your system and to reprogram your taste buds. You’ll be amazed at the difference you’ll see in not only your health, but your enjoyment of the subtle flavors of richly seasoned foods.
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885 anytime
Skype: Monique371
Tags: Blood Vessels, Diet Plan, Dinner Table, Hardening Of The Arteries, Health Impacts, Health Problems, Healthy Heart, Heart Attacks, Heart Disease, Heart Health, Heart Patient Diet, Heart Problems, Heart Stroke, High Blood Pressure, Kidney Failure, Negative Health, Salt Intake, Salt Shaker, Sodium, Table Salt
Posted in Heart Diet | No Comments »
Sunday, April 3rd, 2011
There is a strong correlation between obesity and heart disease. Study after study shows a strong connection between being overweight or obese and the development of cardiovascular disease. Not only is an increasing risk found as weight increases, but it has also been discovered that the distribution of the excess fat also plays a role in promoting heart disease.
Recent findings conclude that belly fat is the most dangerous when it comes to cardiovascular health although the mechanism for this is not entirely clear. The importance of understanding the links between heart disease and being overweight are more critical than ever as an estimated two-thirds of American adults are overweight.
Obesity increases the risk for high blood pressure which damages arteries and leads to atherosclerosis. Additionally, hypertension can cause damage to the kidneys and direct damage to the heart. There is even a link between obesity, sleep apnea and heart disease. Many health care professionals fear that the epidemic rise in obesity rates will lead to a huge increase in heart disease in the United States and much of the Western world.
One long known factor in heart health and obesity is that the increased volume of blood means the heart must work harder and harder to adequately pump blood through the body leading to eventual heart failure. But what hasn’t been known until recently is the link between belly fat and heart disease. One possible cause of the increased heart health risk is that an accumulation of belly fat can increase the risk for Type 2 diabetes, a known cause of heart disease. Other ideas are that belly fat actually secretes damaging hormones that cause cardiovascular problems.
And if that weren’t enough, recent research is also showing an increase in congestive heart failure. This happens when the left ventrical of the heart becomes enlarged as it is overworked. Stress to this part of the heart is associated with high blood pressure but is seen in obese people without hypertension. The end result of congestive heart disease is heart failure.
All of these studies are discoveries are quite frightening, but something can be done about it! Health professionals are recommending that adults maintain a Body Mass Index BMI of less than 25. You can figure your BMI by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. Not as tricky as it sounds with metric unit conversion tools and calculators everywhere! So make it a goal to reach this BMI and maintain your weight at or below this level. Also keep in mind that the BMI alone says nothing about the distribution of fat on the body. Belly fat is the most dangerous as it attaches to internal organs and secretes hormones that can damage the body.
Losing weight is really quite simple if you remember the one simple rule that weight loss only occurs when calorie output exceeds calorie intake. There are no magic bullets, it takes managing your diet and increasing exercise. And do you know what? Eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats and fish and getting regular exercise has definitely been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease! Even small amounts of weight loss can reap heart-health benefits.
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885 anytime
Skype: Monique371
Tags: American Adults, Arteries, Bloo, Cardiovascular Health, Cardiovascular Problems, Cause Of Heart Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Health Care Professionals, Health Risk, Heart Disease, Heart Disease Study, Heart Failure, Heart Health, High Blood Pressure, Left Ventrical, Obesity And Heart Disease, Obesity Rates, Sleep Apnea, Type 2 Diabetes, Weight Increases
Posted in Obesity and Heart Disease | 1 Comment »
Monday, March 14th, 2011
Stress management is one of the most important heart disease prevention tip to follow. Although it is frequently stated that stress causes up to 80 percent of disease, stress is rarely addressed by medical professionals beyond the mere advice to try to reduce stress in your life.
Sounds like a great idea, but most people have no idea how begin to really reduce stress. If it really is behind the development of disease, including heart disease, than finding a way to deal with it should be uppermost in people’s strategies for reducing its dangerous effects.
Since it is impossible to live a life completely free of stress, discovering new ways to manage stress can mean the difference between a long and healthy life or one filled with chronic health problems.
Heart disease is the number one killer of both women and men in the United States and much of the developed world. Studies attempting to unravel the mystery of why this is generally revolve around our modern way of life and its effects on the cardiovascular system.
Unhealthy food choices, lack of exercise, pollution and high levels of stress have all been blamed. The causes are complicated and require a wholistic view of modern life, taking each component into consideration. Improving diet and exercise, avoiding artificial chemicals and slowing down the pace of life are all strategies to help fight heart disease. Addressing stress management should be added to the list of weapons to help fight heart disease.
Biofeedback techniques dates to the 1960s and are used to monitor and change physical reactions that were once thought to be beyond our control. The medical profession at the time thought heart rate and blood pressure levels were something outside the realm of mental control, but biofeedback showed that with training, people could adjust many of their physical reactions to stress.
During times of stress, powerful hormones are released into the body to instantly prepare it for the fight or flight response. This is great if a wild beast is approaching but not so great if you are just sitting at a desk, fuming at your boss’ latest antics.
Continued high levels of stress keep those hormones pumping and research has shown that long-term effects of high stress hormone levels can lead to heart and cardiovascular problems. Controlling the body’s reaction to stress is what biofeedback training is all about. Initially, people use feedback equipment that provides signals when physical reactions such as tense muscles and rising blood pressure are present. Over time, the patient learns to mentally control these responses as the biofeedback machine signals changes, lowering blood pressure and heart rate along with changing breathing and other bodily functions. Eventually, the equipment is no longer needed as people master their control over their reactions to stress.
Another technique enhancing stress management is the use of self-talk corresponding to the changes you are trying to make in your physical reaction to stress. Repeating something as simple as, “My breathing is deep and slow, and my body is relaxing,” speeds the desired response. Calming and relaxing directions to your body help reduce the levels of stress hormones in the blood stream, lowering blood pressure, heart rate and even reducing sweating palms and feet. Each of these reactions helps to bring the body back to a state of calm.
Plenty of books have been written to help people learn these techniques, and therapists trained in biofeedback and other strategies can speed you on your way to a more relaxed and healthy life. Give your heart what it needs, good food, plenty of exercise and a healthy dose of stress management.
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885 anytime
Skype: Monique371
Tags: Artificial Chemicals, Blood Pressure Levels, Cardiovascular System, Chronic Health Problems, Dangerous Effects, Fight Heart Disease, Finding A Way, Food Choices, Heart Disease Prevention, Heart Health, Heart Rate, Levels Of Stress, Medical Profession, Prevention Tip, Stress Hormones, Stress Levels, Stress Management, Unhealthy Food, Ways To Manage Stress, Wholistic View
Posted in heart disease prevention tip | No Comments »
Friday, March 11th, 2011
Recent research is finding a strong link between the health of your teeth, gums, and your cardiovascular health. Although this idea appears rather odd at first glance, there seems to be a connection between gum and tooth disease and the condition of your arteries. Studies have looked at the correlation of the presence of gingivitis, gum disease, and the presence of hardening of the arteries and found that in many patients, when one is present, so is the other.
Medical researchers don’t know yet whether one causes the other and if it does, which one causes the other. What they do know is that the presence of tooth and gum disease can be an early indicator of cardiovascular problems. It seems that the same bacteria may be responsible for both atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, and gum disease. How this connection works is the mystery.
One study looked at over 600 patients who had no identified heart problems and found that those with particular bacteria in the mouth were more likely to have atherosclerosis in the main artery in the neck. The carotid artery is the one that takes oxygenated blood to the brain. When it becomes clogged, strokes can occur.
Atherosclerosis develops when fatty deposits build up in the arteries, often accompanied by the same bacteria that cause problems in the mouth. When arteries become clogged, the blood supply to vital organs including the heart and brain occur. This can lead to heart attack or stroke.
Medical professionals are unsure of the process involved in plaque formation in the arteries but believe one culprit could be the body’s own reaction to the bacteria circulating in the blood stream. Inflammation is the body’s natural reaction to disease causing bacteria and infection. The swelling that accompanies inflammation may further decrease the diameter of the artery, slowing blood passage even more and possibly causing clots to form.
The big question raised by the resent research is whether better oral hygiene can help prevent cardiovascular problems. No one is sure of the answer, but the consensus is that taking better care of your mouth just may improve heart health, so why not increase flossing and tooth brushing?
While researchers are attempting to discover the mechanisms behind the connection between heart health and dental health, it certainly can’t hurt to add good dental hygiene to your daily routine. Don’t forget to address heart healthy diet and exercise; brushing your teeth doesn’t mean you can revert to eating a fast food diet while sitting on the couch all day!
Eating right and increasing movement in your daily routine also help your immune system function optimally. This may be one of the keys to reducing the bacteria population that can damage your gums, teeth and cardiovascular system.
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885 anytime
Skype: Monique371
Tags: Bacteria In The Mouth, Blood Stream, Blood Supply, Cardiovascular Health, Cardiovascular Problems, Carotid Artery, Disease Causing Bacteria, Fatty Deposits, First Glance, Gum Disease, Gums, Hardening Of The Arteries, Heart Attack, Heart Health, Heart Problems, Main Artery, Medical Researchers, Plaque Formation, Tooth Disease, Vital Organs
Posted in Heart Disease Causes | 2 Comments »
Sunday, January 2nd, 2011
Although few conclusive studies have been done, early research points to direct effects of environmental chemicals on many aspects of human health. One definite link that has been established is between obesity rates and the prevalence of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment. These range from various plastics to many agrochemicals. Obesity is a major factor in chronic diseases from cardiovascular problems to cancer.
Although Western science tends to isolate organs in their scientific research, when one organ or body system is affected, there is a chain reaction in the body as each system supports the others. If environmental chemicals affect the kidneys or lungs, the effect will eventually be noticed in the disruptions of the heart and circulatory system.
One study noted that pesticides damage the vascular system, may increase platelet aggregation, may contribute to plaque formation in the arteries, cause inflammatory responses throughout the cardiovascular system, damage the heart and blood vessel tissues, and increase hypertension by interfering with the functioning of the kidney.
How can you avoid overexposure to heart damaging pesticides? One simple method is to purchase as much produce, dairy, and meat grown by organic methods that never use agrochemicals. The less processed the food the better too; try to buy only fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meats.
Not everyone has ready access to organic foods though, and not all foods need to be purchased organically. Certain fruits and vegetables grown commercially are relatively free of pesticides. These include asparagus, onions, bananas, pineapples and others. Some of those that have the highest levels and should thus be purchased organically include apples, strawberries, cherries, spinach, potatoes, and grapes. Keep in mind that the juices made from these fruits and vegetables should also be organic. Some of the most heart- healthy foods are some of the biggest offenders unfortunately, but it is still advised that eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables far outweighs the risks.
Another factor to remember is many of the agricultural chemicals become concentrated in the fat cells of animals. Human and animals both accumulate pesticides in fatty tissues because many of the pesticides are fat soluble. This also makes them hard to remove from fruits and vegetables with just water. If you can’t buy organic produce, invest in a good produce wash designed to remove pesticide residues. Fatty meats and dairy that aren’t organic can have high levels of damaging chemicals, in addition to high levels of cholesterol and saturated fats.
Our bodies are exceedingly complex; science doesn’t yet understand many of the intricate functions that go on every minute of your life. What they are beginning to discover though, is that man-made chemicals, ones that humans have only been exposed to in the last century, may be causing incredible damage to our bodies, especially the cardiovascular system. So, be always careful to watch what you eat!
Tags: Bigg, Cardiovascular Problems, Cardiovascular System, Chemicals In The Environment, Chronic Diseases, Circulatory System, Definite Link, Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, Environmental Chemicals, Fresh Fruits Vegetables, Fruits And Vegetables, Health Image, Heart Health, Inflammatory Responses, Obesity Rates, Organic Foods, Organic Methods, Pineapples, Plaque Formation, Vascular System, Western Science
Posted in Heart Diet | No Comments »
Sunday, December 5th, 2010
Eat Lots of Orange Fruits and Vegetables
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a study that many are concluding gives us the go-ahead on eating lots of pumpkin pie during the holiday season. On a serious note, this may not be the best conclusion from the study, but the study did find that there is a link between high levels of alpha-carotene in the blood and a lower likelihood of dying of heart disease and cancer. Alpha-carotene is found in orange fruits and vegetable, including pumpkin. It is also found in squash, oranges, tangerines, and of course, carrots. According to the study, higher levels of alpha-carotene in the blood indicated less risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The brighter or deeper the color of the vegetables and fruits, generally the better they are for you. The pigments are where many of the nutrients that are so heart healthy. So, maybe pass on the pumpkin pie that is full of fats and sugar but do say yes to an extra helping of winter squash or carrots. Your arteries will thank you.
Banning Trans Fats for Better Heart Health
Although not the latest news, it’s worth a look at how the effort to ban trans-fats in foods is going. Starting in 2003, the organization Ban Trans Fats began educating the public on the health risks of this destructive fat. Along with education, they targeted companies that used the artificial oil in an effort to get them to remove the oil from foods. Trans fat has been implicated in heart disease. When trans fat are banned, they encourages companies and localities to remove this dangerous fat from foods. One of the first cities to ban the unhealthy fat, New York City, now has a new reputation for heart healthy foods. Following their lead, Philadelphia also banned trans fat. California now has a ban also.
A team of doctors in the United Kingdom added their voices to the chorus demanding a ban on trans fats in 2010. They noted the link between this man made fat and the increased risk for heart attack and stroke due to its implication in raising the levels of LDL, the bad cholesterol. The World Health Organization has also spoken out about artificial trans fats, asking that they be eliminated from foods. Other countries that have banned trans fats include Denmark, Switzerland and Austria. Trans fats are much more harmful to human heart health than saturated fats.
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
mentormonique@gmail.com
Tags: Alpha Carotene, Ban Trans Fats, Border, Centers For Disease Control, Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, Diet Plan, Disease Control And Prevention, Fruits And Vegetables, Fruits Vegetables, Health Risks, Healthy Foods, Heart Disease, Heart Health, Heart Patient Diet, News Briefs, Pigments, Pumpkin Pie, Quick News, Tangerines, Vegetables And Fruits, Winter Squash
Posted in Heart Diet | 1 Comment »
