Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, friendship, and romance. What better way to show your loved ones that you love and cherish them by making lifestyle changes that can improve your heart health and overall wellbeing? Making these changes can increase the time that you spend with your loved ones and make it easier for you to enjoy life more. Take some of these Valentine’s Day-themed suggestions to help you get started!
Romantic, Yet Healthy, Dinner
What is Valentine’s Day without a romantic dinner with your loved one? This meal can be a great opportunity to share your love and affection on this loving holiday, and it can remain heart-healthy if you choose the right ingredients. Fatty fishes rich in Omega-3s can lower your blood pressure and curb your body’s inflammation. Some nuts, such as walnuts and almonds, are also high in Omega-3s and can protect from inflammation around your heart, so try to add them into your meal. In general, fruits and dark green veggies are great for your heart health, adding fiber, potassium, and vitamin C to control your blood pressure and strain on your heart. Try incorporating these ingredients into your romantic meal, and you will be surprised at how much better it feels!
Sweets
You may be aware that sweets can negatively affect your waistline, but did you know it can also affect your heart? An access in sugar in your blood puts you at a significantly higher risk of obesity and heart disease. Sugar can also stop the triglycerides, or fats, from breaking down, leading to an access of fat in your heart. It can also increase your blood pressure. There is one exception that is especially popular around Valentine’s Day–dark chocolate! Dark chocolate contains flavanoid subtypes that is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. So, if you must have chocolate on Valentine’s Day, consider replacing your milk chocolate candies with dark chocolate. You can also replace the sugar in your diet with fresh fruits like strawberries, oranges and peaches. These would be a great alternative to the custom sweet treats that taste great!
Wine
A glass a day keeps the doctor away! Isn’t that the saying, anyway? According to the American Heart Association (AHA), no studies have found a direct cause-and-effect link between drinking alcohol and better heart health, but they have found that those that drank small amounts of wine had a lower risk of heart disease. This may be the case because it contains antioxidants which is primarily found in the grape skins. Some studies suggest one antioxidant, resveratrol, can reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure. In general, drinking in moderation along with a healthy diet is okay for your heart, so indulge in a glass or two with your loved one this Valentine’s Day!
Love
Love is a powerful emotion. So powerful, in fact, that it can benefit your heart health! It is no surprise that stress and negative emotions can wreak havoc on your heart and overall well being. With the same intensity, your blood pressure benefits from you being calm and peaceful. In those loving relationships, you are generally more calm and much more peaceful. Love can also help you recover from heart-related issues, as studies showed that married people recovered more quickly than those who were unmarried. Love that extends further than romantic lover can also benefit your heart. It has been shown that those with a great support system of loved ones, and even pets, can help one’s heart heal and become healthy again!
Enjoy Valentine’s Day with your loved ones even more by making these small changes that will make all the difference to your heart health. If you have any questions on how you can increase your heart health, ask the professionals at CT Cardio. They are ready to serve you and will LOVE to answer your questions.
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