Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women and the cause of more deaths than all forms of cancer combined. Being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease can affect your overall quality of life, but with a bit of effort and applying healthy lifestyle choices, you can decrease the heart disease risk by 80%. I am a dietician in Dubai, and I provide nutrition education programs and therapeutic programs to practice a healthy lifestyle and live a heart disease-free life.
5 tips for Good Heart Health by Clinical Dietician in Dubai
01/ How to be smart about fats?
- Taking care of your heart’s health doesn’t mean avoiding fat altogether; it’s about replacing unhealthy fats with good fats.
- You need to cut out trans fats found in fried food and baked goods since they raise LDL levels, lower HDL levels, and increase the risk of a stroke.
- Limit saturated fats found in dairy, red meat, and tropical oils.
- Eat Foods that have good amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat, like fish, nuts, avocados, and flaxseed, which can improve blood cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease.
02/ Don’t replace fat with sugar and refined carbs:
When you’re cutting back on unhealthy fats, you have to replace them with healthy alternatives. For example, don’t replace your breakfast bacon with sugary cereals or a donut - both loaded with refined carbs - because you won’t be doing anything in terms of reducing your risk for cardiovascular disease. You have to replace processed meats with healthy alternatives like chicken or fish to make a positive impact on your health. Opt for unrefined whole grains instead of white bread and pizza.
03/ Focus on high-fiber food:
A high-fiber diet can lower the levels of bad cholesterol and protect us against heart disease. It also helps you lose weight because fiber stays in the stomach much longer than other foods, thus making you feel full for much longer. Fiber also gives you more energy to exercise and stay fit.
