The size of the heart may be compared to that of a closed fist, deemed small by most people, but its function is certainly a far cry from its size. The heart is one of the major organs in the body, and the proper functioning of the other organ systems is dependent on how well the heart does its role. Considered to be the body’s main pumping mechanism, the heart is responsible for making sure that the all-important blood, along with the oxygen and nutrients that it carries, reaches even the farthest tissue of the body. Imagine what will happen if, one day, the heart suddenly stops pumping blood to the different parts of your body – cells, tissues and organs will die if they are deprived of oxygen and nutrients. When this happens, death is sure to ensue.

The web is teeming with information regarding heart health. This is understandable, especially because we have known how important the heart is. Since we are aware of its function and its importance in our health, it is only proper that we employ ways and means to protect it. Heart disease has plagued the human population in such a way that it has affected millions and millions of people all over the world. Angina pectoris (chest pains), arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythm) and heart attacks are only some of the cardiovascular diseases that inflict many people. However, making simple lifestyle changes can go a long way. Ultimately, you will reap the benefits of your actions.

• Eat a Kiwi

  You might have seen it each time you are doing grocery-shopping but the next time you see one, take home some because studies have shown that eating kiwis is actually good for your heart. Taiwan’s Institute of Nutrition and Health Science revealed the results of their study conducted on men and women who had high cholesterol levels and who ate at least 2 kiwi fruits each day for a period of 8 weeks. At the end of the study, the results showed that the subjects had an increase in their HDL cholesterol level and a decrease in LDL cholesterol levels.

  Furthermore, a study conducted in Norway supported Taiwan’s study. Kiwi has been found to lower triglyceride levels as well as reduce the aggregation of platelets thereby preventing the formation of blood clots. Additionally, kiwis are packed with potassium which can help manage high blood pressure levels.

• Go sweet on sweetcorn

  Sweetcorn is packed with vitamins and minerals that can do good to your body. For one, it has no cholesterol. It is also very low in sodium, and is high in vitamin C, thiamin, phosphorus, magnesium and dietary fiber. Importantly, sweetcorn contains high levels of folate. Folate is vitamin B9 and is usually found in dietary sources. A study published in Stroke revealed that diets that are high in folate can significantly reduce a person’s risk of cardiovascular diseases. The study was conducted in Japan with approximately 55,000 people who participated in it. It has been said that regular consumption of folate-rich foods lowers a person’s risk of heart attacks, strokes as well as peripheral vascular disease.

• Juice up your pomegranate

  Researchers have conducted a study which revealed that drinking pomegranate juice can help prevent atherosclerosis or the hardening of the arteries. Additionally, it can also help reverse atherosclerosis progression. Atherosclerosis is said to be one of the major causes of heart disease. The result of their study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Pomegranate juice has become widely known for its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants help neutralize damage-causing free radicals. The result of the study showed that pomegranate juice has superior antioxidant levels compared to other juiced fruits such as orange, cranberry and blueberry.

  Data coming from the Rambam Medical Centre in Israel said that drinking 60ml of pomegranate juice each day for a period of one year can help lower blood pressure and also improve blood flow.

• Color it red

  If you are going to choose your wine, go for red. The seeds and skin of red grapes has been found to contain high levels of resveratrol as well as flavonoids, a form of antioxidant that helps combat the negative effects of free radicals. Furthermore, these flavonoids exert a cardioprotective effect reducing LDL cholesterol levels, increasing HDL cholesterol and reducing the clotting of blood. Numerous studies have been conducted on the heart health effects of red wine. In fact, researchers from Harvard University had recommended the moderate intake of red wine to reduce the risk for coronary artery disease.

  Do you want to know the other health benefits you could get from drinking red wine? Read my previous article on The 7 Various Health Benefits of Red Wine.

• Go cocoa

  A study from the University of Barcelona revealed that cocoa has anti-inflammatory properties which can significantly reduce one’s chances of developing atherosclerosis. Researchers from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital as well as from the Harvard Medical School revealed the results of their study which showed that participants who consumed cocoa beverage once a day for a period of 4 to 6 days exhibited improved function of their blood vessels. Cocoa is rich in flavanols, an antioxidant which helps prevent injury-causing free radicals, substances that can significantly damage the linings of the blood vessels.

  If you want to maximize the health benefits of cocoa, you may also go for raw cacao nibs which are available at health stores.

• Brush your teeth

  It may sound quite unusual but it’s true: regularly brushing your teeth can significantly reduce your risk for a heart attack. In fact, regularly brushing your teeth is one of the recommended ways to protect your heart. Researchers from England found out that people who brushed their teeth less often increased their risk of developing heart disease by up to 70 percent. Brushing the teeth helps fight off bacteria that may cause an inflammation inside the body. The results of the England study were published in the BMJ journal.

Sources
menshealth.co.uk
healthyfellow.com
livestrong.com
caloriecount.about.com
webmd.com
ynhh.org
medicinenet.com