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By James Spann


Many people in the present generation are suffering from preventable diseases that mainly emanate from their way of life. This is particularly the case for those who are less sensitive to what they eat. Exercise has also become old fashion. To stay healthy and free from heart conditions and diseases, it is necessary to maintain a heart healthy diet.

Start controlling the health of your heart by first controlling your portion size. It is worth knowing that the much you eat is as vital as what you eat. To enhance control of your portion, keep track of how many servings you eat. Also, be sure to use adequate serving sizes. Controlling food portion is the surest way of enhancing a low proportion of fat and cholesterol. Practice eating more low-calorie foods that are rich in nutrients, such as vegetables and fruits and less of refined and processed foods. Such Refined and fast foods have high calorie and sodium.

A good diet also entails eating more vegetables and fruits. They are not only good sources of vitamins but also minerals. In addition, they have a low amount of calories and are rich in fiber. Vegetables and fruits have plant substances which may be helpful in preventing cardiovascular disease. Keep a habit of eating more vegetables and fruits as this reduces your chances of eating high fat foods including meat, snack foods and cheese.

It is even more easy and appetizing to feature fruits and vegetables in your diet. Keep a stock of washed and well cut vegetables in your refrigerator. This acts as quick snacks. Fruits should be kept in the kitchen, where they are easily seen to enhance appetite. Also incorporate fruits and vegetables in your recipes. Using these vitamins as main ingredients in vegetable stir-fry and fruit salads is appetizing.

However, be careful which fruit or fruit product you are consuming. Fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits are always ideal. For canned ones, choose vegetables with low amounts of sodium and fruits packed in juice and or water. Avoid fried vegetables and those with creamy sauce. Also avoid canned fruits in the form of heavy syrup and the frozen ones with some sugar additives.

Enhance your diet by adding whole grains. They are rich in dietary fiber among other nutrients that are vital in controlling blood pressure and enhancing heart healthy. The amount of whole grains can be enhanced in a diet by substituting refined grain products. You can also adventure in such whole grains as quinoa, whole-grain couscous and barley.

Whole grains can also be incorporated in terms of ground flaxseeds. These are the small brown seeds with high content of omega 3 fatty acids and fiber. They immensely lower blood cholesterol. The seeds are often grounded and used in yoghurt and hot cereal.

To sum it all, in healthy eating, remember to ensure that the total fat intake is less than 30% of aggregate calories daily. Saturated fatty acids should be below 10%, while polyunsaturated fatty acids maintained at 10% or less of total daily calories. Cholesterol and sodium intake must be observed at no more than 3000 milligrams per day. Reduce salt intake and be active. Exercise makes heart muscles strong.




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