For a stronger and healthier heart, especially after 50, follow these four good eating habits.
As you age, it’s important to maintain a healthy heart since it undergoes natural weakening over time as a muscle. (Source: The National Institute of Aging)
– Major changes in your heart usually occur around mid-50s
– Focusing on heart health in your 50s and above is essential.
Four Good Eating Habits For Heart Health
Thankfully, some minor adjustments to your diet can help you maintain a better heart.
Read on to learn four top eating habits for a stronger, healthier heart that can help you maintain your heart in good health.
# 1
Avoid artificially sweetened beverages and sodas.
When it comes to drinking soda, both diet and regular have their own health hazards. According to Best Fitness Guru, “artificially sweetened beverages and diet sodas are counterproductive when it comes to heart health.”
Many people assume that choosing diet soda can aid in weight loss and calorie reduction. However, they are unaware that consuming diet soda can have severe negative impacts on heart health.
Best Fitness Guru says that consuming artificially sweetened drinks may increase the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. A study has even found that individuals who consume diet soda daily are 36% more likely to develop metabolic syndrome and 67% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those who do not consume diet soda.
# 2
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Eating enough vegetables and fruits can help with several health problems and lower the risk of many diseases. And particularly when it comes to your heart health; this is an essential habit to follow.
Best Fitness Guru says: The natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables that protect the plants from their enemies can also protect us from some common diseases like heart disease, diabetes, brain deterioration, and cancer. Vegetables are a great source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which work together to control cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease.
# 3
Eat fish
Eating fish and other sources of healthy fats can help you maintain a healthy and robust heart. But remember, it works effectively when it replaces some of the sources of unhealthy fats in your daily diet.
Best Fitness Guru says: “Eating oily fish such as salmon provides the body with omega-3, which helps protect against heart attack, stroke, cancer, and inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 thins the blood and prevents it from sticking to artery walls, which in turn reduces the risk of blocked arteries and heart attacks.”
# 4
Eat enough fiber
Incorporating sufficient dietary fiber is crucial for improving heart health and reducing cholesterol levels, particularly as you age.
According to the Best Fitness Guru, consuming high-fiber foods like oats, whole grains, lentils, beans, fruits, vegetables, and nuts is advisable. The reason is that the soluble fiber in these foods binds to cholesterol particles in the small intestine, preventing them from entering the bloodstream. This helps lower cholesterol levels and protects the health of the heart.
Read here the best ways to increase fiber intake
Check this Best Resource on Old Age Fitness
About Author: Renu Bakshi, AKA Fitness Buffhq, is an ISSA Certified Elite Trainer. He
passed the Personal Fitness Trainer Course, Nutrition Health Coach course & Specialist Exercise Therapy course from ISSA, USA, obtaining + 97% marks. He shares his experience and knowledge about nutrition and effective workouts to get you in the best shape of your life, no matter how old you may be. The author says, “Age is just a number!”
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is general and for information only because it doesn’t consider your health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalized health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should determine if the information is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.
