Iowahippiechick

F.Y. I.  Did you know that losing 10 pounds could lower your blood pressure by about 4-5 points?

Here Are Some Tips For Eating Heart Healthy -
(Excerpted from Better Homes And Gardens Magazine / February 2008/ By Doug Donaldson)

• *Buy Fewer Boxes - Cut back on processed food that is usually boxed, wrapped, or in bags. These products have fewer phytonutrients that have been shown in studies to reduce the risk of heart disease.

• *Be Colorful - The greater the variety of colors in your whole food choices, the greater your exposure to a variety of heart-healthy antioxidants. (So be sure to buy a variety of colorful fruits and veggies)!

• *Hide The Salt - The U.S.D.A. recommends less than one teaspoon of salt per/day. (Especially if you have high blood pressure - which is more difficult to control if you’re not monitoring your salt intake). Salt balances against potassium in the body - so you may want to add more foods with high amounts of potassium to your diet. For example: bananas, grapes, oranges, cantaloupe, potatoes, and nuts.

• *Eat Fish - Try to have broiled or baked fish once or twice a week. Many studies have shown that the omega-3 fatty acids found in many types of fish may help prevent heart disease - by improving the elasticity of arteries and slowing down plaque formation.

Maintaining a healthy heart & body will simplify  our lives, as well as save us money in the long run.  (By avoiding related health care expenses.)  During the upcoming holiday season we need to remember to take care of ourselves - because we only have one heart!

Have a terrific day!

dawn @ iowahippiechick

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