The heart and knowing how to improve cardiovascular health are both important. Really important. In fact, the heart is the most important muscle in the human body. It works 24/7, without a break, pumping oxygenated blood and nutrients to your entire body. It should be nourished, loved, and directly cared for—but many people don’t know how to improve cardiovascular health. 

So, how do you take care of your heart?

Make a healthy diet a lifestyle

Changing your lifestyle to incorporate healthy food may be one of the best things you can do to increase cardiovascular health. How can a person do this? It is easier than it sounds: 

• Fill your grocery cart with fruits and vegetables, and learn to incorporate them into every meal. Too busy to prepare fruits and veggies? Buy pre-cut fruit and veggie platters or frozen fruits and vegetables. Too expensive? Remove the junk food from your cart before you check out.
• Replace your white bread, chips, and sugary cereals with whole-grain options like whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, whole-grain cereals, and crackers. 
• Choose lean protein sources including chicken, low-fat dairy products, and beans.
• Make fatty fish a weekly occurrence. The healthy Omega-3 fatty acids in fish actually lower cholesterol and help brain function.
• Cut back on sugar and saturated fat (or cut them out altogether if you’re feeling brave).

Don’t underestimate the importance of supplements

Eating well is such a great start to taking care of your heart. Unfortunately, not all foods are as nutritious as they should be. Pollution, soil depletion, and when a fruit or vegetable is picked may affect its nutrient count—or lack thereof. Adding a vitamin and mineral supplement to your diet ensures you are getting the right amount of nutrients if your food falls short.

ASEA has created supplements for this purpose, as well as those specifically designed for heart and brain health. ASEA® VIA Omega is a heart, brain and vision formula packed with healthy Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.*

Exercise

If you struggle with high blood pressure, being even a little overweight can begin to increase it. Exercising is a great way to maintain a healthy weight, and also strengthen the heart. Remember, it is always a good idea to get your doctor’s approval before starting an exercise program or a new type of workout.

Don’t smoke

Tobacco smoke—even secondhand smoke—can measurably decrease heart health. You are worth the effort it takes to quit.

Reduce stress

Stress is hard on the body: it raises both blood pressure and resting heart rate. Fortunately, reducing stress counters those negative effects over time. So give yoga a try! Or plain and simple meditation without yoga. Getting enough sleep also helps reduce stress. 

Simply put: Find calming activities you enjoy, and make time to practice them—that is self-care. 

Schedule regular checkups

Never miss your annual checkup. Ever. Schedule it ahead of time—and reschedule it to a better day if necessary—but don’t skip it entirely. Make sure the doctor checks your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. While you’re there, be sure your doctor is aware of any preexisting conditions.

Chocolate

We saved the best for last. 

Chocolate is good for the heart. Cocoa is naturally packed full of antioxidants that help lower bad cholesterol, increase good cholesterol, and assist blood clotting function. So go get some exercise followed by a few minutes of meditation, and reward yourself with a nice piece of delicious chocolate.

ASEA is dedicated to learning about cells and how they affect every part of the body. With award-winning vitamin and mineral supplement lines, ASEA can be an ally in your pursuit of long-term health and wellness throughout the body.*

Do not exceed the daily recommended portion. Food supplements shall not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.