cholesterol
Eat Unsalted Peanuts to Fight "Bad" Cholesterol
The next time you’re at a baseball game, treat yourself to a handful of unsalted peanuts. While high-fat content suggests you should keep portions small, peanuts, peanut oil, and fat free peanut flour were all shown to reduce heart disease in hamsters in a joint study by the US Department of Agriculture and North Carolina State.
Include Lean Protein in Every Meal
A diet that includes moderate levels of healthy lean proteins, like skinless chicken, nuts and dairy may be better for your heart than a high carbohydrate diet.
Eat Cherries for Your Heart
In earlier animal studies, cherries were found to lower total cholesterol and triglycerides and to promote weight loss. Now a new study at the University of Texas Health Science Center shows they are high in melatonin, a natural sleep aid, which is important because inadequate sleep has been tied to an increased risk of heart disease.
Experiment with a Japanese Diet
An average Japanese diet includes three ounces a day of heart healthy fish, including tuna, sardines and salmon. As a result, death from coronary heart disease is low.
Remember to Check Your Triglycerides
Next time you get your cholesterol checked, ask your doctor to check your triglycerides as well. Like high LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, a high amount of triglycerides in the blood can increase your risk for a heart attack. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in five Americans have a high triglycerides level, yet few are taking medication to lower it.
A Low Thyroid May Be the Cause of Your High Cholesterol
Hypothyroidism, a low thyroid, is a common cause of elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. The thyroid is a small gland at the base of the neck that secretes hormones that regulate metabolism. When it is low, it leads to weight gain in addition to elevated cholesterol.
Top Cereal or Oatmeal with Flaxseed
Flaxseed contains soluble fiber and alpha linolenic acid (ALA), both of which are thought to improve heart health. Soluble fiber, like the fiber found in oatmeal, can reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, while ALA, a heart healthy Omega 3, may improve inflammation, ease arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) and lower blood pressure.
Track Your Resting Heart Rate
Post-menopausal women with a resting heart rate of 76 beats per minute or above are much more likely to have a heart attack than those with a resting heart rate of 62 beats per minute or lower, found researchers at George Washington University. A woman’s resting heart rate is theorized to be as an important an indicator as cholesterol or blood pressure.
Pay Attention to Neck Size
A large neck may be linked with an increased risk of heart disease in both men and women, found researchers in a recent Framingham Heart Study. Those who had larger necks were also more likely to have higher levels of LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) and higher blood pressure. If you suspect you may be at risk, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a heart health screening.
Get a Pet to Improve Your Heart Health
Pet owners not only enjoy the benefits of companionship, but also a host of unexpected health benefits. Studies reveal that owning a pet can lower your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Plus, having a pet to play with or walk can be a great motivator for physical activity.
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