Foods to Protect Your Heart as You Age

Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? Your risk of cardiovascular disease increases with age, but you don’t have to resign yourself to an unhealthy heart. You can take steps at any age to prevent heart disease and keep your heart healthy.

Foods to Protect Your Heart as You Age

  • Pack your diet with heart healthy foods. You might not think it’s possible for foods to protect your heart, but there are several options that will do just that. Foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium are good options. You should also make sure to fit in plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes, and fatty fish. Some specific examples of heart-healthy foods include:
    • Tomatoes: Help lower blood pressure.
    • Walnuts: Reduce cholesterol.
    • Oats: One of the best foods for your arteries.
    • Strawberries: Prevent oxidative stress and inflammation.
    • Citrus Fruits: Prevent blockages and plaque build-up.
    • Lentils: High in protein, which reduces the occurrence of heart diseases.
    • Avocados: Rich in healthy fat, reduce cholesterol.
    • Almonds: Nutrient dense nuts, loaded with monounsaturated fatty acids and fiber.
    • Pomegranates: Prevent damage to the arterial walls.
  • Make sure you know which foods to avoid. To protect your heart, limit processed meats to no more than two servings a week. They’re preserved with salts, nitrites, and other preservatives, which can damage your heart. Be cautious about your consumption of refined and processed grains and carbohydrates, too. While whole grains reduce your heart disease risk, refined carbs are stripped of their healthful components. Additionally, the ingredients used in processing are unhealthy. Ditch soft drinks and other sugary drinks, because they are full of empty calories and ingredients that can harm your heart
  • Don’t put other unhealthy substances into your body. Quit smoking and limit your consumption of alcohol.
  • Get consistent exercise. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day, alternating between aerobic exercise and exercise that strengthens muscles, improves balance, and increases flexibility. Staying active strengthens your heart, and it helps you avoid obesity, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
  • Keep an eye out for certain health conditions. Sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can all affect your heart, so stay on top of those conditions.
  • See your doctor regularly. Have regular physical exams and follow your doctor’s instructions for medication and other forms of treatment. Ask questions so that you can stay informed about your health.

If you’re looking for a senior community that prioritizes the health and wellness of its residents, come take a tour of a Cambridge Village community. At each Cambridge Village location, you can experience all the reasons that we’re considered North Carolina’s premier Optimal Living® community for active adults. We offer an exceptional lifestyle, with evolving wellness, concierge healthcare, and engaged experience, for a retirement experience that exceeds your expectations. Call us today at (910) 239-9500 or contact us through our website.