Eight actions to take for a healthy heart
The American Heart Association's 'Life’s Essential Eight' provides a framework for improving cardiovascular health through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Key recommendations include eating whole foods, staying active, and avoiding processed items.
Why it matters
Adopting these evidence-based habits can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases like stroke and heart disease.
Life’s Essential Eight was coined by the American Heart Association (AHA).
They comprise eight key measures to improve and maintain your heart and general cardiovascular health.
This means these eight practices will help lower your risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health issues.
The first essential factor is eating better.
The key to eating is the balance of ordinary foods you consume.
You don’t need to eat “special” foods like what so many companies and labels are trying to sell you.
Vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes and whole grains should be at the top of your list to eat every day.
You should also eat plenty of lean animal proteins like chicken (without the skin), fish and seafood, and plant-based proteins like beans, lentils and tofu.
You should drink plenty of water throughout the day, and not only when you are thirsty.
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