Seeing Red During American Heart Month

February always has us seeing red. In fact, today, February 6th is National Wear Red Day. No, not because of Valentine’s Day. It is American Heart Month, a month which raises awareness of heart disease in America.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in our country, including coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and hypertension. These diseases are typically related to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, use of cigarettes, obesity, and diabetes. You or someone you known may be taking medications to reduce cholesterol or blood pressure. Do you know there are lifestyle factors which can have an impact on your risk of developing heart disease?

This year for American Heart Month, let’s try to make lifestyle changes to improve your heart health. Keep reading for simple ways you can reduce your risk of heart disease.

Eat more red fruits and vegetables. The phytochemicals responsible for giving plants their red color, such as lycopene and anthocyanins, may help improve heart health. Studies have shown that adults who consume more of their phytochemicals from foods such as berries, red bell peppers, cherries, and tomatoes have reduced risks of conditions such as heart attacks and hypertension.

Eat less red meat. Your choice of protein can play a role in heart health. Red meats such as beef and pork, especially when cured or processed, are high in saturated fat. These types of fat raise blood cholesterol, which increases your risk for heart disease, and causes stress and inflammation within the body. Choose fish or lean cut meats to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Put a STOP to foods high in sodium. While factors such as age, lack of exercise, stress, and use of cigarettes and alcohol increase blood pressure, dietary changes can help reduce blood pressure. Sodium is a culprit of raising blood pressure, but this doesn’t just mean adding salt to your food! Hidden sodium is a risk to Americans because it is unexpectedly in most foods you will find in the supermarket.

The “Salty Six” are the top 6 foods the American Heart Association advises you to be aware of. They are:

1)      pre-made breads

2)      cured and processed meats

3)      an average slice of pizza

4)      prepared poultry

5)      canned soup

6)      sandwiches or burgers which are pre-made or from a fast food restaurant

So this month, in honor of American Heart Month, do your best to make small changes in your lifestyle and food choices that will bring you big results.

Your turn to take action: Tell me one change you will make to improve your heart health.

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