Top tips for a healthy heart

- By Erana Tuapea

Stay active

The key to heart health is to keep moving and avoid being sedentary. Ideally, aim to get your heart rate up with at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least five days a week. However, any movement will be good for your heart so keep moving and stay active.

Stop smoking

Smoking not only damages your lungs, it also negatively affects your heart health. Once you stop smoking, your odds of developing heart disease drops rapidly. Breaking your smoking habit is essential for your overall health.

Take charge of stress

Stress may affect your heart health. Taking a little time out for yourself will do wonders for your heart (and your well-being). Schedule some social time with a friend, meditate for 10-15 min, or just sit down with a good book or just take a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee and relax and recharge.

Treat yourself with some choccy!

Studies have shown many health benefits associated with consuming dark chocolate in moderate amounts – including improved heart health. Dark chocolate can be a rich source of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants shown to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and boost overall heart health.