Who does not want a healthy life without tension? But the irony is, very few people actually have the right knowledge about staying healthy and fit. Modern lifestyle, stress and tension at the workplace, career, personal problems and various other unavoidable situations often create serious threats for our well being. The end result is heart attack, sudden rise or fall in blood pressure, insomnia or even a nervous breakdown. Heart attacks, heart blockage and congenital heart diseases are continuously on the rise, irrespective of the worldwide campaigns, health tips, diet plans and awareness programs spread by health experts, physicians and medical practitioners.

Smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, diet rich in animal protein and fat, stress, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, genetic history of heart problems and various other factors lead to heart attacks. In a world where cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer, we need to take extra careful measures to stay away from this ever-increasing menace.

So here are some useful diet tips and simple steps which you can follow to keep your heart in good shape:

For any kind of heart disorder, the first important rule to be kept in mind is to stop eating foods that are high in salt, saturated fatty acids and cholesterol. Intake foods that have lesser amounts of fats, cholesterol and salt. Eat fresh fruits. When you are having canned food, go for the unsalted ones.
Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fish(avoid the oily ones), chicken, turkey, sprouts, tofu, fresh fruit juices, cottage cheese, soy milk, lemon juice, vegetable juice, pasta, homemade breads and whole wheat breads.
Sweets and sweetened juices, caramel products, butter, red meats, instant cereals, high fat dairy products, shellfish, high in sodium foods, nuts, eggs, cheese, aerated drinks are best avoided.
Consumption of cholesterol from your daily food intake should be about 300mg per day. Eat a balanced diet rich in green vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, complex carbohydrates, lean meats, high fiber and low fat for cardiovascular health. Use refined sugar for your cooking.
Avoid smoking and cut down on your alcohol consumption. Studies reveal that a significant number of sudden cardiac arrests and other heart related problems arise from smoking, irregular lifestyle and alcohol consumption. Bypass surgery, pacemakers and balloons are quite expensive for common people to afford. Thus preventive measures should be taken quite early to keep the heart risk factors to the minimum.
Recent medical and scientific research links obesity as a prime factor in heart attacks and serious heart diseases. Sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activities and not having a regular exercise routine are the main causes of being overweight. These factors often lead to coronary heart diseases, cardiac arrests and diabetes. A regular workout session keeps heart ailments away. Maintain at least 30 minutes of proper physical exercise for a healthy life. Brisk walking and yoga are very much recommended for a healthy heart, controlled blood pressure and for reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. However, if you are suffering from an inborn heart disease, it is advisable to consult your doctor for a proper sport or exercise routine.
Maintain a specific time for your lunch and dinner. Cut down on caffeine and smoking to increase HDL cholesterol levels. Limit intake of fried and barbecued meats, shrimps, deep-fried foods, creams, sauces, hydrogenated fats, cakes with icing, pies, lard, ghee, ice creams and whole milks.

The solution for a healthy heart lies in eating smart and the right kind of food. Eat healthy, leafy and nutritious foods that are good for your heart. Consult a nutritionist or doctor if you need a balanced diet plan and eat your way to a healthier heart!