Going the Distance

How often do you prioritize your health? You are probably one among the many who commits to a healthier lifestyle at the start of the year. You come up with a New Year’s resolution to slim down, eat healthy and exercise more. But as to how long you stick with the plan really depends on how strong the motivation is to stay fit – be it for aesthetic or health reasons. Wanting to stay fit and feel better does not necessarily translate to matching your actions with your desire. The latter is far more challenging... it does require going the distance.

First things first, keep the heart healthy! The heart is a hard-working muscle that pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood as it contracts and expands about 100,000 times per day. That's why it is important to keep it in tiptop shape.

The key to good heart health is basically making the right lifestyle choices. As you know, abdominal fat is a telltale sign for lifestyle change as it is often linked to heart disease along with other major health issues. Studies showed that men with greater than 40 inches waistline and women with greater than 34 inches have the highest risk of heart disease. To lose the belly fat, you will need a well-rounded exercise program that includes both cardio and strength training. Activities such as bicycling, brisk walking, dancing or jogging elevate the heart and breathing rate, drawing upon fat that is stored for energy.
Aside from becoming active, you need to eat right, manage stress levels, monitor blood pressure and screen your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. There are also herbs and supplements that could be beneficial for your heart health. Check out the following heart health supplements at Health Express, your natural health source:

1. Fish Oil - a good source of omega-3 fatty acids which has naturally occurring anti-inflamatory properties plus the added benefit of driving the triglycerides down.

2. Garlic - the compounds in garlic have been shown to lower lipid levels. It provides antioxidant support for the heart.

3. Coenzyme Q10 - it increases the activity of mitochondria which is where energy is made. It essentially gives more energy to the heart muscle.

4. Cinnamon - this ancient herb helps promote sugar metabolism and can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels already within a normal range.

5. Vitamin E - an essential nutrient crucial for good health that helps to support immune function and contributes to heart and circulatory wellness.

Think, live and feel healthy!