The Benefits of Having a Healthy Heart

The Benefits of Having a Healthy Heart The heart plays a vital role in keeping the body alive. The heart is a pump that pumps life through the body. The heart has two main functions. It pumps blood to the lungs to retrieve oxygen and then pumps that oxygen into the blood and transports it around the rest of the body. The heart is actually muscle and you have to keep training the muscle to maintain its conditioning. As the saying goes if you don't use it you will lose it, and this also applies to the heart. When the heart is in top condition the body works like a highly maintained car engine, it runs perfectly. A heart that is healthy and well taken care off is more able to cope with demands and stress that is put on the body. As the body has been designed to move it is the constant of physical activity that keeps your heart fit. A healthy heart can provide you and your body with many benefits as follows: • By acquiring the habit of doing physical exercise everyday you can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease and coronary heart attack. These exercises do not have to be intensive are done for a long period. As little as 15 minutes a day of exercise that makes you breathless will greatly improve the health of the heart. • A heart that is healthy and strong will enable the body to function more effectively. This will enable the body to take on more strenuous activities and the common daily tasks are done with efficiency and comfort. • A trained and healthy heart works more efficiently than one that is out of condition. This means the it beats at a lower rate when the body is resting. Over time this means the heart works less and does not wear out. • The great thing about your heart is that it has the ability to heal and repair itself. For example, if it has already been damaged by heart disease it can be repaired through the proper healing processes and activities. As you can see the heart plays a very important role and as it is a muscle of the body you have to keep training it to keep it healthy. The best way to do this is to look at your current lifestyle and see if any improvements can be made. For example, you could cut down on high fat foods and introduce more fresh fruit and vegetables into your diet. If you do not take any exercise then maybe you should consider joining a gym or go for a jog a couple of times a week to keep you and your heart in shape. Always seek medical advise before changing your diet or taking physical exercise if you have a health condition. Peter Nibley has been writing articles for over 2 years on subjects he cares greatly about. Check out his new website which discusses how to improve your credit score scale [http://www.creditscorescalereview.com/] and how to understand the credit score rating scale [http://www.creditscorescalereview.com/credit-score-rating-scale.html] system. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4595971

Eat Your Way to Heart Health

Eat Your Way to Heart Health It's February, and that means it's American Heart month! Despite all the talk about heart health, I think we honestly forget what a big deal Heart Disease is in this country. It is the number one cause of death in the United States. Numero Uno. That is not something to take lightly. Certainly we've taken steps to try and combat this epidemic, but yet heart disease remains the most likely cause of death of an individual in this country. According to the Heart Foundation, a person suffers a heart attack every 34 seconds. The heart-healthy message isn't getting across. The frustrating thing is, heart disease is entirely preventable, yet I have met countless people who seem to think it is just something you "get." Although most will admit they could have eaten healthier or exercised a tad bit more, they perceive it to be mostly out of their control. This perception is not entirely their fault, however. Some doctors barely even mention diet or exercise (although some do, or refer to RDs, and kudos to them). In most cases, meds are dispensed and symptoms are monitored. But that's why I'm here. I'm here to tell you that number one, heart disease is preventable and reversible. Number two, there are a plethora of healthy foods you can eat to "treat" yourself to better health. Let's visit a few categories. Omega 3s Omega 3 fatty acids are heart healthy fats. They help lower LDL cholesterol and reduce overall inflammation in the body. Whenever there is inflammation there is a higher likelihood of oxidized LDL being deposited in the arteries. We need to keep LDL at healthy levels and decrease inflammation in the body. Omega 3 fats can help us do that. Where do we find them? Unfortunately Omega 3s are not prolific in the food supply, but there are some great foods rich in Omega 3s that you can start incorporating in your diet. Examples include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines, grass fed beef, and plant based foods such as walnuts, flaxseed, and soy. Other Healthy Fats Besides Omega 3s, there are other healthy fats that make up a heart healthy diet. Unsaturated fats, such as those from olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados are great for the heart. Contrary to popular belief, saturated fats aren't all that bad either. In fact, coconut oil, butter and eggs can be heart healthy choices as well, provided they are in moderation and part of a diet that avoids or limits refined carbohydrates. While in research we have seen saturated fats cause increases in LDL cholesterol, it's actually diets high in refined carbohydrates (sweets, bread, pasta, etc) that lead to the dangerous, atherogenic type of LDL cholesterol that leads to heart disease. I'd prefer you give up the pastries before you give up the butter. Fiber We all know fiber is healthy, but it is especially helpful for heart disease, especially when it replaces refined carbohydrates in the diet. One particular fiber, soluble fiber, is known for its ability to lower LDL cholesterol, but all fiber is helpful. High fiber foods are all of the whole grains and plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. Foods that are specifically high in soluble fiber include nuts/seeds, oats, buckwheat, apples, pears, soy and legumes. Eat more of these foods. Eat less refined carbohydrates, especially those high in sugar. Antioxidants Antioxidant rich foods are wonderful! Think of those plant based foods that are vibrant in color and full of flavor. That color and distinct taste are often a result of the phytochemicals, aka antioxidants. What do these antioxidants do for you? They help scavange free radicals so they aren't left to do damage to your arteries or other organs. They essentially neutralize them. Since inflammation in the body tends to increase free radicals, antixodants are very important for heart disease. Good food choices? Colorful berries (think blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc), grapes, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, all types of vegetables, green tea, and even coffee. But this list is certainly not exhaustive. All plant foods have some sort of antioxidant component (and many of them work synergistically together), so eat a wide variety of plant based foods and you can't go wrong. Lean Protein Protein is obviously an essential part of our diet. While higher fat meats aren't necessarily unhealthy if part of a balanced diet, they can lead to weight gain which is not what you want if at risk for heart disease. Lean protein therefore is ideal because it's not typically excessive in calories and helps keep your blood glucose stable, thereby helping you maintain a healthy weight. Make sure to have some sort of protein source with each meal. Healthy options include lean chicken, pork, grass fed beef, seafood, organic soy/tofu, low sugar dairy products and nuts/seeds. There we go. Those are the key components of a heart healthy diet. If you focus on the foods in these groups while simultaneously cutting out the refined carbohydrates (namely sugar), you will be on a good path towards better health. Seems easy enough, right? But what if it's not? As with most things on the internet, including this article, words on paper don't exactly translate to actions at home. I totally get it. I can read all day about accounting on the internet but I'm not one who gets those concepts on my own. I need help, hence I have a book keeper! The same goes for diet. Don't be ashamed if you have more questions. That's why us Registered Dietitians are here. The beauty of a visit with an RD is that we get to sit down with you for an hour (and sometimes even longer) to discuss and create the best diet for YOU. Unlike in a doctor's office, you have time to ask all your questions and receive lengthy feedback. Often people are confused as to where to start, what are appropriate portion sizes, what are some good meal ideas, etc. We can walk through this with you and create a plan that will work for you and your lifestyle. While some are afraid, thinking of us as the "food police," we should be though of instead as the "food guidance counselor." We are not here to judge, just to guide. We might suggest new diet options and new lifestyle goals, but always alongside you and with your complete agreement. Please, if you have or are at risk for heart disease, incorporate these foods mentioned above. If you have never seen an RD before, I highly recommend finding one in your area. Maybe it's just a one time visit, but at least you will get tailored advice and guidance to ensure you are doing things the right way. Eating shouldn't be rocket science, but in our day and time it's starting to become that way. Take charge of your health and let's together reduce the incidence of heart disease in this country. Danielle VenHuizen, MS, RD, CLT is a Registered Dietitian who helps her clients achieve health and vitality through food, not pharmaceuticals. She specializes in working with food sensitivities, Diabetes, Cardiovascular health, Digestive Disorders, and healthy pregnancies. For more expert health advice visit her blog at http://www.FoodSense.net Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9317138

The medicinal chef's chocolate avocado pots

By Dale Pinnock

OK, I know avocado and dessert don’t sound as though they belong in the same sentence. But trust me – when making healthy desserts, avocados can be your best friend. They provide a creamy texture without the need to add any nasties, and happen to be packed with heart-healthy nutrients to boot. These chocolate pots are also incredibly quick to make… 

Nutty chocolate avocado pots

Prep: 5 min + chilling

Serves: 2 

1 very ripe avocado 

1tbsp almond butter 

1tbsp maple syrup or ½tsp stevia 

1–2tbsp cocoa powder, to taste, plus more to serve (optional)

1 Scoop the avocado flesh into a blender or food processor. Add the remaining ingredients with 1–2tbsp cold water. 

2 Process on full speed until all the ingredients have mixed into a smooth chocolatey dessert. 

3 Spoon the mixture into ramekins and chill in the fridge for 2–3 hr before serving, sprinkled with cocoa powder, if you like.

Per serving:

217kcal

3.9g protein

19.1g fat

3.8g saturates

7.3g carbs

5.2g sugar

4.7g fibre

0.1g salt

35mg calcium

1mg iron

LOW SALT

VEG

GLUTEN FREE

DAIRY FREE

This recipe is taken from Dale Pinnock’s book Heart Disease: Eat your Way to Better Health (Quadrille, £14.99), out now. 

How to make jam with chia seeds

We’ve reached the end of our chia-fuelled week, and we saved our favourite recipe for last…

This raspberry and chia jam is taken from Green Kitchen Travels by David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl (Hardie Grant; £20), and it’s as delicious as it is simple to make. Three ingredients and a quick stir is all it takes – that’s right, no cooking! We’ve been enjoying it spread on toast and dolloped on top of fat-free Greek yogurt. Why not whip up a pot ready for a Valentine’s day breakfast treat…   

RAW RASPBERRY AND CHIA JAM

PREP 5 min, plus chilling

SERVES 12tbsp

250g raspberries, thawed if frozen

2tbsp chia seeds

2tsp maple syrup or runny honey

1 Put the raspberries in a bowl and crush with a fork. Stir through the chia seeds, then add the maple syrup or honey and mix to combine.

2 Pour the jam into a sterilised jar, then chill for at least an hour for the jam to thicken. It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Per tbsp

20kcal

0.7g protein

0.8g fat

0.1g saturates

2.6g carbs

1.5g sugar

1.6g fibre

0g salt

22mg calcium

0.4mg iron

LOW CAL

LOW SAT FAT

LOW SALT

HIGH FIBRE

VEG

GLUTEN FREE

DAIRY FREE

Healthy Valentine's Day pudding

If you’re looking for a special ending to dinner or a Valentine’s treat with a lighter touch, these chocolate goodies will hit the spot

Skinny chocolate muffins

Pre 20 min
Cook 20 min
Makes 12

3 eggs
175g soft light brown muscovado sugar
150g beetroot, peeled and finely grated
175g self-raising flour
50g cocoa powder
1tsp baking powder
100ml low-fat natural yogurt
1tbsp vanilla bean paste
100g plain chocolate (70% cocoa solids), chopped

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4. Line a muffin tray with 12 paper cases.

2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together for 10 min to make a light and fluffy batter that has expanded in volume. Gently stir in the beetroot.

3. Sift over the flour, cocoa and baking powder, then carefully fold into the mixture. Fold in the yogurt, vanilla bean paste and chopped chocolate.

4. Spoon the batter into the muffin cases until they are three-quarters full, then cook in the oven for 15–20 min.

5. Remove the muffins from the oven and allow to cool slightly in the tin. When they’re cool enough to touch, remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Per muffin
196kcal
5.3g protein
6.5g fat
3.3g saturates
31.6g carbs
19.4g sugar
2.5g fibre
0.4g salt
96mg calcium
1.6mg iron

VEG

Win a Magimix and Kikkoman goodies

Chinese New Year begins on Thursday 19 February and it’s the Year of the Sheep. Say "baa" to a takeaway and instead get your friends and family together and celebrate with a delicious homemade oriental meal.

Healthy stir-fries can be made in a jiffy with any meat, fish or vegetables, but there's one crucial item that transforms a stir-fry – soy sauce. Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Less Salt Soy Sauce contains just four natural ingredients – soybeans, wheat, salt and water. The soy sauce is then slowly brewed for several months to achieve a unique, aromatic taste. Try a splash or two during cooking or as a final flourish at the end.

To help make stir-fries even easier to prepare, we have a great competition for our readers: one lucky winner will receive a prize worth more than £250, including a powerful Magimix Compact 3200XL food processor, which slices and grates vegetables quickly, evenly and quietly, plus a bottle of Kikkoman Less Salt Soy Sauce and a recipe book.

For a chance of winning, please log into our widget below (you will need Javascript installed to be able to see it) to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveawayTerms and conditions
This competition is open to Healthy Food Guide readers, registered on the website (free) and who are UK residents, aged 18 and over, excluding employees (or families of employees) of Eye to Eye Media Ltd, or anyone linked to the competition. Website entry closes 11.59pm Thursday 12 March 2015 and entries received after the closing date of the promotion will not be considered. No responsibility is taken for entries lost or delayed. The winner will be drawn at random and the judges’ decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into. The winner will be notified in writing within 28 days of the closing date. There is 1 prize to be won. The winner will receive a Magimix Compact 3200XL food processor, bottle of Kikkoman Less Salt Soy Sauce and a Kikkoman recipe book. In the event of developments outside its control, the promoter reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value. The winners may be required to participate in future publicity. The promoter’s decision is final and binding in all matters and no correspondence will be entered into. Promoter: Kikkoman c/o FML PR, 8 High Street, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BN6 9TY

How to make gluten-free chia and quinoa bread

In the second instalment of our chia celebration, we’ve adapted a gluten-free bread recipe from thehealthychef.com. It’s quite different to a traditional sandwich loaf as the mixture makes a batter not a dough, and the baked result is more dense and cakey than light and airy. But the flavour is deliciously nutty and wholesome. We like to spread a slice with mashed avocado for a nutritious breakfast or brunch.

Prep 15 min + overnight soaking

Cook 1 hr 30 min

Cuts into 12

300g uncooked quinoa

60 g whole chia seeds
 (we like chiauk.com)

60 ml olive oil


½tsp bicarbonate of soda


Juice ½ lemon

1 Put the quinoa in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water, then leave to soak in the fridge overnight.

2 Heat oven to 160C/fan 140C/gas 3 and line a loaf tin with baking paper.

Stir the chia seeds into 125ml water, then leave to form a gel-like consistency.

Meanwhile, drain the quinoa in a fine sieve, rinse with fresh water, then drain again thoroughly.


3 Put the quinoa in a food processor along with the chia gel, olive oil, bicarbonate of soda, lemon juice and 125ml water.
Whiz for 3 min or until combined – the mixture should resemble a batter consistency with some whole quinoa still visible.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf tin, then bake for 1 hr 30 min or until the loaf has developed a crust but bounces back when pressed with your finger.  

4 
Leave the loaf to cool in the tin for 10 min, then lift out onto a wire rack to cool completely. The bread will keep, well wrapped in baking paper and foil, for up to a week.