Not only does the month of February celebrate and promote the importance of heart health, but it also celebrates Valentine’s Day, a time when people focus on love, relationships and expression. The American Heart Association (www.heart.org) encourages everyone to take the time to focus on identifying the symptoms of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure. In addition, it is important to learn how to incorporate healthy eating, exercise, stress reduction, all of which can keep the heart healthy and strong. The goal of AHA is to reduce the occurrences of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and provide people with resources and tools for optimal heart nutrition. Food and drinks that are processed, full of sugar and fat can increase the risk of developing heart problems as well as cause weight gain.
Keeping your heart healthy requires eating foods such as salmon, almonds, spinach, kale, walnuts and fruits, just to name a few, all of which promote heart health. Weight maintenance, a diet void of saturated fats and processed foods, regular exercise and stress management are all allies for building a healthier heart. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we are bombarded with images of chocolate, candy, cakes and other desserts full of sugar and fat. Not to worry! With an increase in awareness on health, wellness and fitness, there are an abundance of recipes, activities and desserts that can still allow you to enjoy a sweet treat while protecting your heart and saving you from all the unnecessary fat and calories. Click here to get an array of heart healthy dessert recipes to surprise your sweetheart with! For Valentine’s Day inspiration click here!
Here’s to your heart health!
Photo by: Filterforge @ Flickr License: Creative Commons
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