Keep Your Heart Healthy with Less Body Fat

Are you packing around a few extra pounds? If you are, you’ve probably wondered if a little fat is OK, or if less fat is better, especially when it comes to heart health. Over the past few years, there’s been a long list of studies published suggesting some fat surrounding the heart may actually provide protective benefits.

It’s possible to have a healthy heart, even if you’re overweight or obese. If you’re exercising, even though you’re overweight, your heart is going to be stronger and more efficient at supplying the body with blood.

But if you’re overweight or obese, you’re still at higher risk for heart disease and other chronic conditions. And losing excess body fat can help, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association by University of South Australia professor and lead researcher Peter Clifton

Spot reduction fat loss is a myth that’s been around a long time. The only way it’s actually possible is with surgery. But if you don’t want to go that route, your body decides where to lose fat when you make the effort through diet and exercise.

What does it take? Start with a simple formula. Get at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. And eat fewer calories than you burn through exercise and everyday activities.

Instead of sugary drinks and treats, fast food, and meals high in sodium and calories, eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fish, nuts and seeds, and drink plenty of water. And you’ll start to tip the scale in the right direction, lose body fat, and shed unwanted pounds.

Clifton explains the benefits of fat loss for heart health this way: “The bottom line is that any weight loss—regardless of whether it is fat or lean, backside or abdomen—reduces cardiovascular risk factors…”

Following a Low-Sodium diet is a great way to promote heart health, control blood pressure, and reduce your risk for heart disease. Some of the newest additions to our Low-Sodium menu include Turkey Mushroom Sauce Over Rotini Pasta with Spinach, Tangerine Orange Chicken Breast With Stir Fry Vegetables & Brown Rice, Grilled Chicken Breast with Hickory Barbeque Sauce, Sweet Potato Hash and Broccoli, and many others.