Caring for your heart need not be a chore. Try these simple activities that research shows are heart-friendly.
Enjoy dark chocolate
It’s packed with healthy flavonoids and magnesium, which help lower cholesterol and keep the blood vessels of your heart more flexible. It also contains stearic acid, one of the few heart-friendly saturated fats. But make sure it’s at least 70 per cent cocoa and you only have a few squares, not the whole block!
Eat like you’re in Greece
A Mediterranean diet, which is high in plant foods, legumes, olive oil and a little fish and lean meat, can cut cholesterol and heart disease risk.
Snuggle up with your partner
The hearts of women in happy marriages have lower levels of artery narrowing. So set some date nights and make time for cuddles and communication.
Walk at sunset
Walking can lower risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes as much as running does. Walking in nature has extra benefits because spending time outdoors in nature helps to reduce blood pressure.
Dish some tasty fish
The healthy omega-3 fatty acids in deep sea fish such as tuna, salmon and sardines, can help protect against heart arrhythmias.
Laugh out loud
Laughter makes your heart vessels more flexible and able to expand, reducing blood pressure.
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