Tips For A Healthy Heart

• We could all do with making a few changes to improve the health of our hearts. The most beneficial suggestions are:
• cut down on saturated fat, choose low-fat dairy products, such as skimmed milk and low fat yogurts and cheese.
• stop smoking, this won't directly affect your cholesterol levels, but it is the number one factor for heart disease.
• take regular exercise, it seems to raise the levels of the protective HDL cholesterol.
• eat more fruit, vegetables and pulses, and foods with soluble fibre, such as oats. The antioxidant vitamins they contain help prevent fatty deposits on artery walls.
• lose any excess weight by following a sensible diet and taking more regular exercise. Obesity increases your risk of heart disease and possibly raises your total cholesterol levels.
• use lots of garlic in your cooking, some studies have shown that garlic lowers blood cholesterol levels.