So your friends are all on statins; your doctor has told you to cut back on sodium, and your risk of hypertension increases with every passing birthday. But dont let your heart sink: research shows that it's not too late to begin the battle against cardiovascular disease.
Potassium. Its a micronutrient that doesnt get the credit it deserves for blunting the effects of sodium in your diet and supporting healthy blood pressure, which is crucial for heart health. Introduce dark, leafy greens, broad beans, Brussels sprouts, potatoes and beetroot to your weekly menu: all are potent sources of the mineral. But its still a good idea to limit your salt intake. Bear in mind that most of it comes from processed foods, not the shaker.
Stress eating. In a recent German study, participants aged 46 to 65 reported more work-related stress than any other age group, possibly because the pressures of their senior positions were compounded by anxieties about finding a new job should anything go wrong. Meanwhile, a separate review linked emotional eating to a higher BMI. But stopping isnt simply a matter of avoiding the Golden Arches on your commute home. You need to banish midnight snacks, too. Stress can lead to restless nights, which means youll have more waking hours when youre liable to snack.
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The Foods You Need in Your Diet to Defend Your Heart at 50 - Men's health UK
