The heart is a vital organ for the functioning of our body, since it is the main muscular organ of the circulatory system, allowing the entry and exit of blood from it, circulating blood throughout our body, collecting oxygen as it passes through the lungs and circulating to the heart, to be propelled everywhere, oxygenating our body.
Food and a balanced diet are of great importance to prevent heart disease and improve derived conditions, such as hypertension or arrhythmias among other cardiological conditions.
1. A healthy diet is vital for the proper functioning of the heart, and especially for the proper functioning of our heart, so we must be careful when ingesting carbohydrates, since they contain fats that saturate and clog the arteries that allow the entry and exit of blood from the heart.
2. Exercise plays an important role in our overall health, but it is essential for the proper functioning of our heart. Studies show that we should do aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling) at least three times a week for 30 minutes.
3. The intake and consumption of alcohol can also affect the functioning of our heart, but depending on the amount, it can be in a positive or negative way. Medical studies show that daily consumption of a moderate amount of alcohol protects against cardiovascular disease and heart attacks, but overindulging in alcohol can lead to heart problems such as high blood pressure, strokes, and cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle). Also, a typical drink has between 100 and 200 calories. The calories in alcohol often increase body fat, which can in turn increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. Avoiding stress and excess tension in our body and mind is essential for a proper heart function. People with cardiovascular disease often report heart pain during emotionally stressful situations. You are also more likely to have a heart attack during times of stress, because your heart races and blood pressure increases.
What foods help the heart function properly?
Some of the foods indicated to maintain the health of this important organism for the correct functioning of the entire organism.
1.The living room
Salmon and chia, flax or linseed seeds are high in omega 3. Consuming these foods prevents inflammation of the blood vessels and the risk of clots by helping to reduce triglycerides in the blood. To this must be added its high fiber content that helps us reduce bad cholesterol levels, so they not only help us protect the heart, but also improve the current situation of the circulatory system.
2. Beans
Grains, also called beans, are packed with heart-good nutrients such as: B complex, folate, magnesium, and fiber. These helps regulate cholesterol and glucose in the blood.
3. Nuts
Nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds, are loaded with sterols, these helps reduce "bad" cholesterol, or LDL. They are rich in magnesium, which prevents hardening of the arteries and increases blood pressure; achieving in turn reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Olive oil
Olive oil, which is the oil that is extracted from the first pressing of olives, is rich in polyphenols, an antioxidant that helps protect blood vessels, reduces "bad" cholesterol or LDL and blood pressure.
5. Red fruits
Red fruits, or fruits of the forest such as raspberries, blackberries and strawberries, contain the necessary nutrients for a healthy heart: vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps prevent heart disease, magnesium and potassium that regulate blood pressure, fiber that prevents inflammation and folate, which reduces the risk of heart attacks.
6. Cocoa
Pure or dark chocolate that contains more than 70% cocoa is a good ally of the heart, and it contains resveratrol and cocoa phenols that protect cells against damage, thus helping to maintain proper health in our circulatory system; and he is also extremely rich.
It is important to remember that in addition to feeding the heart with a good diet, it is appropriate to avoid smoking, reduce stress and exercise regularly for a healthy functioning of our heart and the rest of the body.
Breaking your fast by bingeing on large portions of junk foods will turn out to be counter-productive. When you're fasting for 12 to 14 hours, you are likely to be ravenous when the fasting window ends. But overcome your instinct to eat lots of food and instead break your fast with a modestly-sized and healthy meal.