We’re continually reminded that heart health remains the #1 medical concern for both men and women. In fact, the grim statistics show that 2 out of 3 of us will personally confront this topic during our lifetime. But a few modifications to your lifestyle can significantly turn the odds in your favor.

Adopt a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

There’s nothing truly surprising on the list below, but the principles are too important not to repeat. They work if we take them to heart.

• Exercise—Although everyone knows this, most people avoid physical activity. Three out of five adults are not regularly active, and 25% do not exercise at all. Yet regular exercise is one of the biggest factors in maintaining cardiovascular health.

• Diet—Try as hard as possible to avoid meats high in saturated fat. Look for flavorful ways to prepare salmon and other fish; the internet is filled with mouth-watering recipes when you search on Google.

• Blood Pressure—Check it periodically and do what it takes to keep it in the healthy range.

• Cholesterol—Have your cholesterol checked for both HDL and LDL levels, and work hard to keep them in the normal range.

• Smoking—Well, you know. Quit. Or never start. If it didn’t matter, no one would say a word.

• Weight—Excess weight taxes the heart way too much, so if you’re serious about cardiovascular health, find a way to manage the extra pounds.

• Stress—In most universal teachings including the Bible, the heart is considered the seat of our emotions. Remaining calm during times of stress rather than “flying off the handle” not only maintains peace with associates, but it helps keep the heart muscle strong and healthy for a lifetime. Conversely, rage and anger significantly weaken this primary organ.

Ten Ways to Satisfy a Hungry Heart

1. Apples—Plenty of pectin to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels plus potassium for blood pressure.
2. Beans—Lots of good fiber and folic acid for healthy levels of homocysteine.
3. Garlic—Helps maintain cholesterol health and supports healthy bloodflow.
4. Grapes—Contain powerful OPCs and resveratrol, which lend antioxidant support to heart cells and strengthen the vascular system.
5. Nuts—Chock full of magnesium and monounsaturated oils, which are the good kind of fats that promote cardiovascular health.
6. Oatmeal—Supports cholesterol health with fiber and a polysaccharide called beta-glucan.
7. Pomegranate Juice—More heart-healthy polyphenols than the equivalent amount of red wine or green tea.
8. Salmon—Best source of critical Omega-3 essential fatty acids.
9. Soy—Isoflavones in soy support healthy cholesterol levels.
10. Natto—Although this Japansese dish of fermented soybeans is rarely served in America, the enzymatic properties of natto that benefit heart health are hugely popular in supplement form.

Swanson EFAs
Super EPA Fish Oil
100 Sgels

Swanson Ultra
Carni Q-Gel Forte
30 Sgels

Swanson Best Garlic Supplements
Garlic with Cayenne
200 Caps

Swanson Ultra
Chew-Q Bioenhanced CoQ10
100 mg 30 Chwbls

Swanson Premium
100% Pure Lecithin Granules (Non-GMO)
16 oz (454 grams) granules