The importance of a heart healthy diet

Published 7:00 am Saturday, October 15, 2016

Maintaining the health of your heart is one of the most critical aspects of living a healthy lifestyle.

According to the CDC, one in three deaths is the result of a heart attack or stroke.

It is important to be proactive while young so the likelihood of these diseases is reduced, and maybe one day it will no longer be the leading cause of death in the U.S.

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The first way to maintain a healthy heart is by eating a healthy diet.

Doctors most often recommend eating foods rich in omega-3’s like fish, almonds and nuts, dark beans, and fruits and vegetables.

Some studies even say that dark chocolate can be good for the heart, not just the taste buds.

Just like with any diet, it’s important to eat a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet.

Supplemental vitamins can also be a good way to ensure the body receives the nutrients it needs.

Controlling portion size, reducing sodium and choosing low-fat proteins are also good ways to maintain heart health.

A proper and regular cardio routine, depending on your age and athletic ability, is another way to keep the body strong and live longer without suffering from disabilities down the road.

The most common symptoms of a heart attack include pain in one or both arms, the back, stomach and chest pains, sometimes accompanied by cold sweats.

Symptoms of a stroke include facial drooping and numbness and slurred speech.

It is important to receive medical attention if these symptoms occur to prevent long-term damage to the body.

Even though these diagnoses are more common in people over 60, we should always be aware of these symptoms in case we, or anyone around us, should experience them and need help.