The Power of Heart Healthy Habits

Thump-thump. Thump-thump. Your heart beats an estimated 115,000 times a day. And if you keep it healthy, your ticker will keep on going for an estimated 3 billion beats in a lifetime.

So what are the ways to keep your heart healthy? It comes down to just a couple of heart-healthy habits, according to organizers of World Heart Day. And they're all easy to do:

1. Know your heart

There's a reason a doctor or nurse checks your blood pressure every time you have an appointment. It's a good way to measure heart health. About 1 in 3 adults in the United States has high blood pressure. And if your blood pressure is high, you probably don't even know it. Your blood pressure should be less than 120/80. If it's not, medication can help you change that, and so can healthy lifestyle habits. A simple blood test can also identify biomarkers that measure heart health.

1. Be more active

One of the best ways to keep your heart healthy is by being active. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderate cardiovascular activity per day. And you don't even have to do it all at once. Take a walk. Ride a bike. Go to the gym. Even working up a sweat while gardening or moving helps strengthen your heart. Your heart is a muscle. And the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. When your heart is strong, it's easier for it to pump blood your body needs to function. Exercise also helps burn calories and fat, control blood pressure, improve circulation, and can even help reduce stress, which all contribute to a healthier heart.

1. Eat heart-healthy food

Ever wonder what a heart-healthy diet looks like? Here's a hint: the majority of food for a heart-healthy diet doesn't come from red meat or processed foods. In fact, the best foods to eat for a healthy heart include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Health professionals recommend eating 5 to 6 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

And if you need some help improving your diet and your heart health, just check out all the healthy options made from fresh ingredients at MagicKitchen.com.