Heart health is not a joke: make heart-healthy choices with Flora

This World Heart Day, take the time to understand the importance of healthyheart and how to take care of it. CVDs are the biggest cause of death worldwide; the number one killer that takes the lives of 17.9 million people every year according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).  Celebrating the World Heart Day 2021 on the 29th of September, Flora has decided to highlight the importance of thinking of heart health at a young age
CVDs refers to the diseases of the heart or blood vessels all of which leads to serious heart attacks and strokes. While CVDs have long been associated as a health risk to just older adults, it is now a common occurrence among young adults as well. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, USA, the total of young deaths of those between ages 15-49 caused by CVD in Sri Lanka was a staggering 2,688 in 2019.

A healthy heart is easy to maintain than to cure and Flora hopes to encourage people to take control of their heart health and those of their loved ones with these simple changes to our diet and lifestyle that can go a long way to keep our heart healthy and happy. 

Follow a Healthy, Hearty Diet

Health experts recommend a balanced and healthy diet enriched in Omega 3 and 6, which are essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (‘good’ fats). These are crucial in lowering ‘bad’ low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and raising ‘good’ high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.Omegas 3&6, found in fattier fish such as tuna, seed oils such as sunflower andcanola; have several health benefits when consumed in recommended amounts, especially as replacements for saturated fats or trans fats (the ‘bad’ fats) in our diet.

Flora is a blend of sunflower and canola oil. These soft oils are abundant of omega 3 and 6 which makes Flora a great source of these essential fatty acids. A serving of 20g of Flora into our diet will also include 33% of the daily requirement of Vitamins A, D and E with no unhealthy trans-fats. 

Maintain a Heart Healthy Lifestyle

Having a healthy life means maintaining our physical wellbeing by regularly monitoring blood pressure, getting proper sleep, reducing the intake of saturated fat and sodium, and engaging in regular exercises at least five times a week. In this new normal, there are several online fitness classes and tutorials that cater to stay-at-home exercising. To maintain a good physical condition, do 150 minutes of moderate - intensity workouts or 75 minutes of vigorous - intensity workouts or even a combination of both each week. Refer to Flora Sri Lanka Instagram and Facebook pages to refer to Flora workout series.Those already suffering from heart disease is encouraged to do less intensive workouts and walk greater distances.

Investing in a heart-healthy lifestyle starts with simple changes that have long term impacts. This World Heart Day, Flora encourages people to not just follow their hearts, but to take care of it too. Start young and make a conscious effort to live a heart-healthy life. 

*Individuals with heart disease or related problems should seek medical advice.

Sources:

World Health Organisation, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Mayo Clinic