1. Drink Cranberry Juice: Scientists at Scranton University found that men who drank 3 – 8 ounce glasses a day for a month increased their good cholesterol levels by 10 percent cutting their risk of heart disease risk by 40%. Make sure you buy 100 % juice with at least 27% cranberry.
2. Eat Breakfast: A study done at Harvard University found men who eat breakfast are 44 % less likely to be overweight and 41% less likely to develop insulin resistance both of which are contributing factors to heart disease.
3. Take Folic Acid: Consuming the recommended daily amount reduce their risk of heart disease by 16%. Sources include asparagus, broccoli and fortified cereals.
4. Take the stairs: Taking an extra 4000-5000 steps a day can lower blood pressure by up to 11 points.
5. Eat a chef’s salad: The leafy greens and eggs in the salad are excellent sources of lutein. Which carries heart-disease fighting antioxidants to cells and tissues.
6. Refill your breakfast: An American Journal study says that 2 servings of whole grain cereal like Cheerio’s can reduce the risk of dying from heart disease by up to 20%.
7. Consume more tea: A study found that men who drink at least 2 cups of tea daily cut their risk of dying from heart disease up to 25%. Tea contains flavonoids which help thin blood, prevent clotting and help to relax blood vessels.
8. Take your blood pressure after exercise: After a cardiac stress test get your doctor to measure your BP. The numbers will be higher but will help show you what kind of overall health you are in.
9. Join a Group: A study done has shown lonely people have a harder time dealing with stress. They are also at a greater risk for heart disease then people who have a big circle of friends.
10. Eat Dark chocolate: Another source of flavonoids which thin blood and prevent clotting. Dark chocolate also contains oleic acid which is a monounsaturated found in olive oils. A good source is Dove Dark Chocolate bars.