Your heart supplies blood to all of your organs, without it functioning properly, you’re going to be in trouble! Check out these key habits that help maintain a healthy heart.
1. Exercise
Exercise is the most important habit of heart healthy people. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise per week or 75 minutes of “vigorous” exercise[1].
In addition to improving the condition of your heart, UMMC states that exercise can prevent a myriad of other conditions including metabolic disorders, cancer, bone problems and depression.
Not only is it free—it’s as simple as running in place or doing sit-ups while watching TV—but it is one of the most important steps you can take to protect the health of your heart.
2. Eat Fruits and Vegetables
The Harvard School of Public health studied the eating habits of 110,000 men and women over the course of 14 years[2]. The results? People who consumed larger amounts of fruits and vegetables were less likely to develop heart problems.
The relationship was direct. Compared to people who ate less than 1.5 servings per day, people who ate 8 or more servings hate a 30% lower chance of heart attack or stroke.
These results are astounding but many people refuse to add more fruits and vegetables to their diet. To help eat more, prepare every meal that you eat with a fruit or vegetable.
During dinner time, try to make your portion of vegetables larger than anything else on your plate. Additionally, you might want to consider replacing a few daily snacks with vegetables.