During an average lifetime, the human heart will beat more than 2.5 billion times! Did you know that heart disease is quickly climbing ranks as the number one cause of death all over the world? Unhealthy eating habits are probably the easiest way to harm your heart.

Who is at risk?

Heart diseases were usually associated with old age, however with unhealthy eating, piling on a variety of junk food and the inescapable stress, heart disease is not limited to just the old. Anyone above thirty is at potential risk of suffering from an unhealthy heart.

Simple steps to a healthy heart:

You can lower you chances of getting heart disease by choosing and monitoring what you eat. These are four simple rules for a healthy heart:

  • Eat less fat: Some fats are more harmful to the human heart. Especially foods like meat, cheese, butter, milk which are high on cholesterol can damage the heart.
    Eat less sodium: One of the most important ingredients that add taste to our foods is salt. Avoid eating excess salt, or adding extra salt to your dishes as excess salt is potentially dangerous to your heart. Excess salt may lead to high blood pressure, which puts undue strain on your heart.
  • Eat fewer calories: This is one of the most famous mantras of health experts. Eating more calories means gaining more weight, which in turn means more work for your heart. Eating less calories or burning calories is also the best way to reduce weight.
  • Eat more fibre: Fibre s available in cereals, grains, fruits and vegetables. Not only does it provide roughage but also is instrumental when it comes to lowering heart problems.
  • Simple exercises like walking, gardening, swimming lower your weight and can help in keeping cholesterol under check
  • If you drink wine, beer or any other alcohol, do so in moderation.
  • Eat small portions and avoid second helpings.

Following these simple healthy eating habits may help you with lowering the risk of heart disease. Your heart works hard for you from the time of its conception, how long it can continue to do so depends on you.