February 2009

A Healthy Heart…..A Valentine’s Day Resolution

As we enter into the second month of the year some people have already given up on their New Year’s Resolutions, while others are barely hanging on.  Whatever your circumstance, this month I invite you to consider your heart.  Take good care of your heart so that those who care for you can be worry free about your health. 

Cholesterol – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Being mindful of your cholesterol and triglyceride levels is a great way to care for your heart.  According to the American Heart Association, the lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, the lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.  When there is too much LDL cholesterol in your blood, it can start to build up in the form of plaque and clog your arteries.  Aside from genetic predispositions; saturated fats, trans fats, and other sources of dietary cholesterol, play a pivotal role in elevating you LDL levels.  If gone unchecked, things can get ugly. However, decreasing your intake of foods high in trans and saturated fats, along with those foods high in cholesterol, such as eggs and meats, will have you on your way to a healthier heart.

People with high triglyceride levels are also considered to be at a higher risk for a heart attack or a stroke. Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulate in the blood.  After eating, our bodies change any leftover calories into triglycerides which are stored in the fat cells for later use. If you are consuming more calories than you burn on a regular basis, you may be at risk in the long term.  Being mindful of your total caloric intake and increasing your exercise level will go a long way in managing your triglyceride levels.

While it is very important to reduce both your LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, it is equally important to take steps to raise your HDL (good) cholesterol levels.  HDL cholesterol functions as a cleanser of the LDL (bad) cholesterol in your blood.  Simply put, the higher your HDL levels, the lower your LDL levels.  You can increase your good cholesterol levels by maintaining a healthy body weight and increasing your intake of healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil and fish.  Good lifestyle choices, such as not smoking and limiting your alcohol consumption, have also been shown to aid in raising good cholesterol.      

Belly Fat – The Killer Fat

Another way of reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease is to shrink your belly fat. Belly fat is regarded as being the most dangerous fat on our bodies. One way to determine if you are at high risk is by measuring your waist and hips. Your goal is to have your waist measure less than your hips and thighs.

Chocolate – A Treat For Your Heart

Do you give, or hope to receive chocolates this Valentine’s Day? Studies have shown that chocolate not only gives us comfort, but it can be beneficial.  Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is loaded with an antioxidant called flavonoid which is good for the heart.  It has been shown to reduce high blood pressure and to lower bad cholesterol.  So whether for a Valentine Sweetheart, or a daily indulgence, choose a chocolate that offers a good balance between taste and nutritional contents.