The secrets to a healthy heart.
The heart? Do we ever really know completely what drives it? We know the physical signs and symptoms of a healthy heart but there are so many other less tangible factors that maintain and protect our hearts.
How can a heart feel broken? Sometimes it does.
How can a heart feel fit to bursting with love and happiness? It can.
If our hearts are physically healthy then we can more easily maintain our “emotional” hearts. The physical and emotional support each other and one can’t work without the other.
I asked Lily for some some practical ways to keep our hearts healthy.
Our heart is the most precious organ we have, and so vital to every aspect of health. Optimal blood flow is essential to ensure oxygen and vital nutrients can reach every cell within our body. A healthy heart not only give us that healthy ‘glow’, it also plays a role in allowing us to achieve a long and healthy life.
The Secret To A Healthy Heart
Vitamin E
E helps to prevent the development of atherosclerosis, by protecting our harmful LDL cholesterol from damage and preventing its build up within blood vessel walls.
Vitamin E can also help keep the blood thin, which can minimise blood clots and keeps blood pressure low.
Top sources: sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach and avocado.
Magnesium
This is the wonder mineral, which keep blood pressure in check by relaxing arteries. By upping your magnesium intake and lowering salt, you can make a substantial improvement to blood pressure in just one month.
Top sources: green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds.
Soluble Fibre
If you have high cholesterol, soluble fibre is just too important to go amiss. This special fibre, binds to harmful LDL cholesterol and bile acids in the digestive tract. This means that cholesterol is eliminated from the body rather than absorbed into the blood stream.
Top sources: oats, oat bran, beans, lentils, sweet potato, almonds, apples and flax seeds.
Vitamin C
Arteries have a tendency to harden and lose their elasticity with age, which can lead to high blood pressure. Vitamin C can help slow this process as it is involved within the development of collagen – an essential component to keep arteries supple.
Top source: papaya, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprout, strawberries and kiwi fruit.
Fish Oil
Omega 3 fish oils have potent anti-inflammatory benefits, therefore a perfect food to protect arteries from damage. Fish oils also work well in combination with vitamin E to prevent blot clots and increase our heart protective HDL cholesterol.
Top sources: wild salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and anchovies.
the secrets to a healthy heart, lily soutter
Lily Soutter is a Nutritionist & Nutritional Therapist
Learn more about Lily @lilysoutternutrition.com
images, vogue ukraine, photographer jamie nelson
