4 Health tips for your heart

High blood cholesterol can result in a buildup of plaque in your arteries which can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Here are some easy tips to reduce cholesterol.

1. Limit the saturated and trans-fat you eat (store bought cakes, pies, cookies, items with hydrogenated oils, margarine, fast foods. (A good rule of thumb: always read the ingredient label and aim for food ingredients in their natural state. If you can’t pronounce the name of an ingredient, you may not want to eat it).
2. Don’t smoke. (Smoking damages the lining of the arteries).
3. Exercise!  Exercise can raise HDL, lower blood pressure, burn body fat and lower blood sugar levels. Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise.
4. Eat a diet consisting of lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, low in red meats, nuts and olive oil, and moderate in alcohol.