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July 5, 2023 By Neha Sharma Leave a Comment

Healthy Heart Diet: 8 Steps to Prevent Heart Disease

Prevent Heart Disease 2The heart plays a very vital role in the well-being of an individual. It supplies oxygenated blood to all organs of the body and also carries nutrients, fuel, hormones, and other components.

Its tremendous work pressure is never-ending but meritorious. But sometimes, just because of negligence and ignorance, we cannot pay attention to the well-being of our hearts. Lack of proper diet, eating fried foods, inactive lifestyle, smoking, and infection give rise to malfunctioning of the heart.

How Can You Prevent Heart Disease?

Changes in lifestyle and modification of diet are the key factors in improving the functioning of the heart and its long life. By following these 8 simple steps, you can have a healthy heart to lead a healthy life!

1. Include more Fruits, Vegetables and Whole grains

Prevent Heart DiseaseFruits & vegetables are rich in vitamins & minerals and low in calories. They also keep a check on cholesterol levels as they are very rich in dietary fiber. A diet rich in dietary fiber maintains weight as well as the gut. You need to select whole grains over refined grains as whole grains are rich in complex carbohydrates and control blood pressure and are good for the heart. Include quinoa, broken wheat, barley, oats, and whole wheat flour.

2. Keep a Check on Foods Containing Sodium

Sodium plays an important role in elevating blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease. Limiting salt intake is very important as in every meal, sodium is introduced and the total count increases unknowingly.

Canned food, pickles, chutneys, sauces, soups, and market mixtures are all loaded with salt and increase the total intake of salt. It’s always advised to keep an eye on evening snacks too, which are generally filled with biscuits, cookies, and mixtures.

Salads and fruits should be taken without salt and as these are rich in potassium – which can help to keep sodium on the lower front. The habit of table salt should be discouraged.

3. Choose Healthy Fats

Healthy fats should be an integral part of a heart-healthy diet. One should limit fat intake to 2-3 tsp per day including visible and non-visible fats. Butter, mayonnaise, and cheese can be replaced with homemade healthy spreads.

Poly and mono-unsaturated fats are good choices over saturated fats but all should be taken in limited amounts as all fats are high in calories. Nuts, seeds, and olive oil are good choices.

4. Make Portion Control a Habit

Portion ControlQuality and quantity both are important while having meals. Portion control is very important as it maintains and controls calories and weight. Utensils are selected for portion control and all food groups should be included to make it a balanced diet.

5. Never Skip Breakfast

Skipping breakfast and having unhealthy foods for breakfast is not at all good. As breakfast is the first meal of the day, it should be healthy and should contain a combination of proteins & complex carbohydrates. Skipping breakfast lowers the metabolism and makes the next meal heavier.  A healthy breakfast makes a healthy heart and mind too.

6. Choose Low-Fat Sources of Protein

Try to incorporate protein in every meal as it maintains weight and as the body is made up of protein, the requirement of protein is more. Pulses, seeds, and nuts are good low-fat sources of protein and should be included in daily routines.

Toned milk & milk products are preferred over whole-fat milk to keep a check on cholesterol levels. Lean meat, poultry, fish & eggs are also some of the best sources of protein that can be taken.

7. Menu Planning Should Be Done Prior & Keep One Day for a Treat

A menu can be made so that all options are at your doorstep and you don’t need to think daily about what to have in meals. Include all veggies, fruits, pulses, grains, nuts, seeds, milk & milk products.

Any one day, you can add a little cheat meal so that overindulgence will not happen and your taste buds will get satisfied as a little fun is important as well.

8. Set a 30 min Physical Activity Goal

To maintain proper functioning of the heart, one should do daily 30 min of physical activity that could be anything including brisk walking, yoga, cardio, or strength training. Walking is an overall exercise that improves blood supply, improves lung capacity and is also good for the gut. Take out 30 min of time for walking either in the evening or morning.

The above points, if kept in accordance with daily routine, will make the heart stronger and happier for a long period of time. If your heart is happy, you are happy!

If this article helped you, let us know in the comments below! Find more tips on living a healthy life here. If you want to make these habits a part of your daily life and need help, reach out to a GOQii Coach by subscribing to Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

October 26, 2022 By Vandana Juneja Leave a Comment

Top 5 Eating Habits That Are Bad For Heart Health

Top 5 eating habits that are bad for heart health

There are lots of habits which play a key role in maintaining good heart health. Eating right, being active, managing stress well and getting good quality sleep are just a few of them. Then, there are habits which are bad for heart health. These habits, over a period of time, if left unchecked, can increase the risk for heart disease. Let’s go over some of these eating habits that can affect your heart. 

Top 5 Eating Habits That Are Bad For Heart Health 

  1. Junk & Packaged Food: This one is a no-brainer. Eating junk and packaged food items like chips, namkeens, maggi and bakery items, etc. are bad for  heart health. These food items are loaded with saturated fats and sodium which increase the amount of LDL (Bad cholesterol) in our body. High levels of bad cholesterol can build up plaque in the blood vessels and clog them, leading to atherosclerosis, heart failures and stroke.
  2. High Sugar Intake: Regular and high consumption of sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart, causing high blood pressure and damage to artery walls. Besides table sugar, there are many food items with hidden sugars that we should avoid like – bakery items, desserts, mithai, packed juices, and instant food items like ready to cook breakfast cereals, aerated drinks, energy drinks, etc.
  3. Overeating: Being overweight is a major risk factor for heart disease. Eating uncontrolled portions leads to weight gain which can cause a myriad of health issues. So avoid eating, not only high calorie foods in large quantities, but be careful about the portion of your regular meals as well.
  4. Eating Red Meat: Red meat is high in saturated fat and there’s also evidence that processed meat increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Ideally, less than 10% of your diet should come from animals and animal products.
  5. Avoiding Fruits & Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are a great source of Vit C and beta carotene. These antioxidants help prevent plaque deposition in the blood vessels. So, try including fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. 

Apart from the above mentioned foods, make sure you lead an overall healthy lifestyle to avoid facing any health issues. If you need help with improving your lifestyle or seek guidance to manage an existing condition, reach out to an expert by subscribing for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

For more on heart health, check out Healthy Reads. 

We hope this article helps you avoid these foods which are bad for heart health. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below! 

#BeTheForce  

October 11, 2022 By Arooshi Garg Leave a Comment

Cardiac Diet: Foods To Eat, Avoid & Other Tips

Cardiac Diet: Foods To Eat, Avoid & Other Tips

Whether you want to lose weight, manage cardiovascular issues or simply avoid any health complications, a healthy, clean eating pattern can help you move towards it. Understanding what foods are good or bad and taking small steps to include or avoid different foods can be game changer. While eating habits are formed slowly and changing them can be overwhelming, here’s your guide to a Cardiac Diet which includes foods and eating habits that can help you maintain a healthy heart.

The Cardiac Diet – Foods & Habits For A Healthy Heart 

  1. Control portions: Eyeballing your food to check the estimated calories is the easiest way to avoid overeating and over consumption. Even healthy foods like nuts, when taken in excess, are harmful! Always choose low calorie and high fiber foods to fill yourself like raw fruits and vegetables. Take smaller portions of calorie dense and high salt foods for a healthy heart. Another tip is to choose a smaller plate when eating.
  2. Choose raw vegetables: Having at least 3-4 servings of fresh and local vegetables is very essential to get a good supply of heart healthy antioxidants. Choose bright coloured vegetables to get maximum benefit. Fiber, which is present in vegetables, helps in controlling high BP, fat deposition in arteries and also eases digestion.
  3. Include whole grains, millets: Grains are naturally high in fiber and nutrients. Avoid refined and processed cereals like all-purpose flour, breads and bakery products. Instead, choose locally available native millets like barley, ragi, bajra, quinoa, and farro.
  4. Consume salt mindfully: Having too much salt can worsen cardiac health and cause hypertension. Adding no table salt and reducing salt while you cook is the first step. Reducing hidden salt from foods like cornflakes, muesli, breads, biscuits, sauces, and pickles is the next step. Choose less refined salts like Rock salt or Himalayan salt. Be wary if you have thyroid, as you might need regular iodized salt. Flavor your dishes using dill, coriander, mint, lemon, and oregano instead!
  5. Choose low-fat high protein sources: Avoid animal products that are high in fat such as full fat milk, cheese, etc. Go for low fat/toned milk, choose leaner cuts, fish, and eggs to meet your protein requirement. Certain types of fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower blood fats called triglycerides. Products like soya granules, sprouts, powdered pulses are good, low-fat sources of protein and contain no cholesterol. They can be easily added to the diet to increase protein intake.
  6. Control the intake of nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds when consumed in moderation are extremely beneficial. Nuts and seeds like walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, chia seeds, sabja seeds, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds are rich in heart healthy fats known as omega 3 fatty acids. These help in increasing the good cholesterol component essential for limiting inflammation in heart patients. However, excess of these nuts and seeds can also lead to increased fat intake which is not ideal.
  7. Engage in cardio activities: As the name suggests, any type of physical activity which affects the heart activity is considered good for cardiovascular health. If you cannot go to the gym, ensure that you at least go for a walk. A quick 30-minute fast walk can help you get good cardio activity to reduce cholesterol levels, blood pressure and improve energy levels. It can also help you fight weight gain to improve overall cardiac health. If you are still unable to find time for dedicated exercise, make it a habit to walk for 10 minutes post every meal. Finding small pockets of time for cardiovascular fitness in the form of walking can be really helpful. Choose any activity like jogging, running, cycling, swimming, Zumba, or aerobics, etc.
  8. Say no to smoking and alcohol: Limit your alcohol intake. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. The chemicals you inhale when you smoke, damage your heart and blood vessels.

A mild indulgence should not hamper your heart healthy journey, so an occasional favorite meal or a piece of cookie won’t harm you. However, balancing your choices and changing your eating habits in the long run is the key to better heart health.

We hope this Cardiac Diet and the subsequent tips help you make a positive lifestyle change. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

For more on Heart Health, check out Healthy Reads or ask an expert by subscribing for personalised health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce 

September 29, 2022 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 3 Comments

7 Yoga Asanas For Good Heart Health

yoga for heart health

Stress, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle can have serious long-term health consequences. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are just two among many of the consequences of not treating your body well. Just know that even during the current times, you can make a positive U-turn and get active! Try yoga for good heart health!

How Does Yoga Help Heart Health?

Yoga, as a practice, emphasizes on breath, focus and meditation. Apart from building awareness of your mind and body, yoga also helps heart health by boosting blood circulation, keeping blood pressure in check and relieving stress.

Let’s take a look at 7 Asanas you must practice for good heart health.

1. Virabhadrasana or The Warrior Pose boosts energy in the body and mitigates stress. It is ideal for heart patients as it keeps blood pressure in check.
Virabhadrasana

2. Sukhasana greatly improves the breathing pattern, which in turn enhances blood circulation.
Sukhasana3. Uttanasana helps relax the muscles and eases the mind. It lowers high blood pressure and ensures that your heart remains healthy!
Uttanasana

4. Setu Bandhasana or The Bridge Pose is an excellent yoga asana for heart patients as it improves blood circulation, lowers blood pressure level, and stretches chest muscles. It can lessen depression, stress, and anxiety too.
Setu Bandhasana5. Trikonasana or Triangular Pose relaxes the mind and calms down anxiety levels. This pose also opens and strengthens the chest area, and improves the digestive system.
Trikonasana6. Shavasana is another ideal asana for heart patients. This asana helps in repairing cells and tissues. It reduces blood pressure and assists in developing a better balance of the air element in the body.
Shavasana7. Bhujangasana or The Cobra Pose is good for heart patients as it expands the chest area and relaxes muscles. As a result, blood circulation gets better and the heart feels reinvigorated.
Bhujangasana

In my practice, these Asanas are beneficial! But, before you begin practice, consult your doctor or physician especially if you have had any major/minor surgeries or other health issues. If you’re a beginner, check out some of these Myths and Facts about Yoga. For live sessions on yoga, practice with experts on GOQii Pro within the GOQii App, who will guide you on the correct form and posture in real time.

We hope this article has helped you. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below!

#BeTheForce  

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