Top 10 tips for a healthy ticker

Emma White - Nutritionist | 01 Oct, 2020

We've put together the top 10 things you can do to improve the health of your heart and reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Healthy Ticker

1Limit your sat fats

The fats found in processed meats, deep fried foods and full fat dairy can increase our bad cholesterol levels. This can lead to an increased risk of CVD.

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2Exercise regularly

Doing regular aerobic exercise to raise your heart rate is very important for your overall health. Aim for at least 30 minutes 5 times per week.

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3Eat salmon

This oily fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to improve heart health by reducing plaque build up in arteries. Aim for 1 portion of salmon and 1 portion of white fish per week – roughly 140g each.

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4Don't get too stressed

Easier said than done! But stress is not good for our ticker, so finding ways to de-stress your day is very important. Gentle exercise such as yoga or pilates can really help you to unwind and will help to improve overall fitness too.

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5Eat plenty of fibre

Soluble fibre in particular, found in oats and root vegetables, can help lower cholesterol and in turn lowers our risk of CVD. Also switch to wholegrain versions of your favourite bread, pasta or cereals to bump up your fibre intake.

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6Get plenty of sleep

Studies show that those who do not get enough sleep regularly, are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Aim for 7-8 hours a night.

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7Increase your potassium

Potassium, found in high quality bananas and sweet potatoes, can help to lower our blood pressure.

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8Eat more 'good fats'

Often found in plant sources such as nuts, seeds, avocados and olive oil, unsaturated fats can help reduce our bad cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

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9Drink moderately

A little red wine can be good for our hearts, but too much can be harmful! Follow health guidelines for a healthy ticker – no more than a 175ml serving per day. Remember to have 2 alcohol-free days a week.

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10Don't smoke

Smoking puts serious strain on our arteries and heart health. See if you can break the habit and quit.

Nutritionist Emma White (ANutr), MSc Human Nutrition is passionate about how food science applies to the human body, and how the nutrients in what we eat affect us and ultimately have an impact on our health.

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