3 Heart Healthy Foods

If you do one thing this year it should be look after your heart. Heart disease is one of the top killers and sadly, much of it can be prevented if you look after yourself properly. This includes exercise, less stress, and diet. Here are three foods that you should add to your diet in 2009 to look after your most important organ.

1. Soy. If you have not yet jumped on the soy bandwagon, it is time. Once considered a food only for the hippies or extremely health conscious, soy is now making its way into the mainstream diet. The great thing about soy is that it gives you protein and fills you up without the fat that comes from animal meats. Also, it absorbs any flavour that you cook it with so you can throw it into just about any dish. It is also much more inexpensive than meat and is way better for your arteries and heart.

2. Fish. Fish is the number one source of Omega 3 fatty acids which are your hearts best friend. These healthy fats lower blood fats called triglycerides and may reduce your risk of sudden cardiac death. The best types of fish to eat are cold water fish such as wild salmon, mackerel, and herring.

3. Brown rice. Though some people argue the flavour of brown rice is different from white, once you compare the health advantages brown rice wins hands down. It may take a little getting used to but once you start eating brown rice you won&undefined;t go back to white. It is so much better for your health because it contains whole grains. Whole grains are a source of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc and iron. All of the nutrients found in brown rice regulate blood pressure and promote heart health.

Along with improving your diet make sure to get plenty of exercise to keep your heart in good shape. Cut down the amount of time you watch tv and get moving. Also, if you are a smoker the most important thing you can do for yourself and your heart is to quit as soon as possible. Most people associate smoking with respiratory problems and lung cancer but the fact is it also causes heart disease.