Month: September 2023

In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, we often find ourselves racing against the clock, caught up in the whirlwind of daily responsibilities. In the midst of all this chaos, we tend to overlook one of the most vital aspects of our existence – our heart. Our hearts are, quite literally, the engines that keep us alive, tirelessly pumping blood, and oxygen throughout our bodies. It’s high time we shine the spotlight on our hearts and take proactive steps to ensure their well-being. 

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of heart-healthy living! Heart health is affected by various factors. It is thus important to explore the importance of heart-healthy oils, the joy of staying active, the wisdom of a balanced diet, the magic of a hearty breakfast, the therapy of laughter, and the bliss of a peaceful slumber. (source)

Are you ready to embark on this heartwarming adventure that’s bound to make your heart sing with joy? Let’s get started!

1. Incorporate Heart-Healthy Oils in your Diet 

When it comes to heart health, oils play a pivotal role. Not all fats and oils are equal, and some oils may, in fact, be good for your heart. Olive oil, a prominent heart-healthy oil, is a good choice to use in the kitchen. Packed with monounsaturated fats, olive oil helps lower bad cholesterol levels and may benefit heart health. Use it for salad dressings, sautéing vegetables, or even drizzle it over your popcorn for a heart-healthy twist on a classic snack. 

If you are looking for a heart-healthy oil that’s tailor-made for Indian cooking, consider trying out  Saffola Gold, a blended oil made from Rice bran oil and Sunflower seed oil, developed using dual-seed technology. This unique blend ensures a good balance of MUFAs (Monounsaturated Fatty Acids) and PUFAs (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids), offering better nutrition for your heart.

2. Get Moving, Stay Active

Heart-healthy living isn’t complete without regular exercise. Staying active is vital for maintaining a healthy heart. Engaging in physical activities such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing can significantly improve your heart health. You could attempt to indulge in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week to keep your heart in tip-top shape.

Not only does exercise help maintain a healthy weight, but it also helps reduce the risk of developing heart diseases like hypertension and diabetes. So, put those sneakers on, get out there, and make your heart pump to the rhythm of a healthier beat! (source)

3. Maintain a Balanced Diet

A heart-healthy lifestyle tips the scales towards a balanced diet. Try to fill your plate up with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods are rich in nutrients that promote heart health, such as fibre, protein, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Additionally, try to limit your intake of ultra-processed foods, sugary snacks, high saturated fat foods and excessive salt. Excess sodium (>5g/2000 mg/day) can lead to high blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease. As an alternative, you could opt for fresh, homemade meals, seasoned with love and heart-healthy herbs and spices.

4. Don’t Skip Breakfast

Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and for a good reason. It kick-starts your metabolism, provides you with essential nutrients, and helps regulate your appetite throughout the day.

Consider starting your day with a bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh berries, fruits and a sprinkle of heart-healthy flaxseeds or chia seeds. Oatmeal is an excellent source of beta-glucan, a soluble fibre, which helps lower cholesterol levels. You could add some dates and nuts of your choice for that extra crunch and a dose of healthy fats and some fruits for added vitamins. This delightful breakfast will set a positive tone for your heart-healthy journey.

5. Stress Less, Laugh More

In our hectic lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of stress. However, chronic stress can take a toll on your heart. It can lead to unhealthy habits like overeating, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption. So, how can you break free from the stress trap and indulge less in unhealthy habits? Embrace the power of laughter!

Laughter is, indeed, the best medicine. It helps reduce stress hormones, increases endorphins, and improves blood flow – all of which benefit your heart. Make time for activities that bring joy and laughter into your life, whether it’s watching a humorous movie, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in hobbies that make you smile. 

6. Meditation and Yoga

You can also try out meditation and yoga, which are practices known for their potential benefits to mental and physical health. Meditation involves mindfulness techniques aimed at reducing stress and enhancing emotional well-being, while yoga combines physical postures, controlled breathing, and meditation elements to improve flexibility and promote relaxation. 

7. Sleep Like a Baby

Last but not least, don’t underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep. Quality sleep is essential for heart health. During deep sleep, your body repairs and rejuvenates, including your cardiovascular system. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to give your heart the break it deserves.

To improve your sleep quality, establish a regular sleep schedule, create a comfortable sleeping environment, and limit caffeine intake and the usage of electronic devices before bedtime.

In conclusion, following a heart-healthy lifestyle is quite an essential endeavor. Incorporate heart-healthy oils to your diet, stay active, maintain a balanced diet, don’t skip breakfast, stress less and laugh more, practise meditation and yoga, and get a good night’s sleep. 

Remember, your heart is your most loyal companion. Treat it with care, and it will continue to beat to the rhythm of your life for years to come. Cheers to your happy and healthy heart!

Taking care of your heart is vital for your overall well-being, and one essential tool in doing this is by getting a lipid profile test. In this blog, we will explore the fundamentals of lipid profile testing, its significance in assessing heart health, and the reasons behind fasting before the test. By understanding the basics of this test, you can take proactive steps towards managing your cardiovascular risk and making informed decisions about your heart health. 

So without further ado, let’s delve into the world of lipid profile testing and unlock the key insights it provides.

So, what is a Lipid Profile Test?

A lipid profile test, which is also known as a lipid profile test or cholesterol test, is a blood test that measures various abnormalities in lipids and can determine the risk of cardiovascular diseases. To understand this further, the test provides valuable information about your cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol), HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol), and triglycerides, and has an impact on human health including heart health. 

The lipid profile test offers valuable insights into your cardiovascular health. High levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, along with low levels of HDL cholesterol, can indicate an increased risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. By assessing these lipid levels, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions about treatment and lifestyle modifications to manage your cardiovascular risk.

The Five Tests in a lipid profile:

A standard lipid profile test includes five key measurements:

1. Total cholesterol: It indicates the overall level of cholesterol in your blood.
2. LDL cholesterol: Low density lipoprotein is a type of lipid that can have a negative impact on health. It can build up in the arteries, leading to plaque formation and increasing the risk of heart disease. Try to avoid unhealthy fats, such as processed foods, takeaway food, ghee and lard to maintain your LDL cholesterol levels.
3. HDL cholesterol: High density lipoprotein is a type of cholesterol that is good for health. Adequate levels of HDL cholesterol are beneficial as it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries. Food such as red meat, processed meats and full-fat dairy is advised to be avoided to maintain HDL cholesterol levels. 
4. Triglycerides: Elevated levels of triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
5. Total cholesterol to HDL ratio: Aiming for a ratio of 5:1 is good, and 3.5:1 is even better. When the number is lower, it means your cholesterol levels are healthier. (source)

What’s the Normal Range of Lipid Profile Test?

The optimal lipid profile results can vary based on factors such as age, gender, and overall health. However, in general, the following ranges are considered desirable:

Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL

LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL

HDL cholesterol: For men it’s 40 mg/dL or higher, and for women 50 mg/dL or higher

Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL

Non-HDL cholesterol: It is calculated by deducting the HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol. The primary goal is to maintain the mark below 130 mg/dL.

Who Should Get a Lipid Profile Test?

Lipid profile testing is recommended for individuals with certain risk factors, including:

• Individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease may benefit from the awareness of a lipid profile test.
• Those who have existing cardiovascular conditions, such as heart disease, should regularly undergo a lipid profile test.
• Individuals who have risk factors of cardiovascular diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity are often advised to take a lipid profile test.
• People above a certain age, as recommended by their healthcare provider, may need to undergo a lipid profile test.

Who Performs a Lipid Profile Blood Test?

Lipid profile tests are typically conducted in medical laboratories or diagnostic centres. Skilled healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or phlebotomists, collect a blood sample from your vein using a needle. Then they send the sample to a laboratory for analysis.

Lipid Profile Test Procedure:

The lipid profile test is a simple blood test that requires a blood sample. During the test, a healthcare professional will clean the area, usually the arm, with an antiseptic. They will then insert a small needle into a vein to collect a blood sample. 

Does One Need to Fast for a lipid profile Test?

To obtain accurate results, it is often recommended to fast for 9-12 hours before a lipid profile test. Fasting helps eliminate the influence of recent meals on lipid levels, providing a clearer picture of your baseline cholesterol levels.

What is the Cost of a Lipid Profile Test?

The cost of a lipid profile test will differ depending on several factors like your healthcare provider, geographical location, and insurance coverage. It is advisable to check with your healthcare provider or diagnostic centre to obtain accurate pricing information.

When Can I Expect My Lipid Profile Results?

The turnaround time for lipid profile test results can vary, but it is typically within a few days. Your healthcare provider will inform you when and how to access your test results. Once you receive the results, do remember to discuss them with your doctor to gain a comprehensive understanding of your cardiovascular risk and determine any necessary actions or treatments.

A lipid profile test is a valuable tool for assessing your cardiovascular risk and monitoring your cholesterol levels. By understanding the significance of this test and the various components measured, you can take proactive steps towards a heart-healthy lifestyle. Regular lipid profile testing, in conjunction with lifestyle modifications including dietary balance and physical activity with medical guidance, can help you maintain optimal heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to your well-being, so prioritise your heart health and discuss lipid profile testing with your healthcare provider. 

Maintaining a heart-healthy diet is of utmost importance, consider including Saffola Total in your diet as it has been scientifically tested to help manage cholesterol.

Our heart is one of the most vital organs in the body, and it needs essential nutrients to function to maintain its optimal potential. These nutrients are vital compounds and are to be obtained through our food.  They play a crucial role in supporting various bodily functions, including key roles for the heart. 

In this blog, we will delve into what essential nutrients are, why they are necessary for your body and some of the essential nutrients that are beneficial for your heart health. Read on to be informed!

What do you mean by essential nutrients?

So, essential nutrients are substances that our body needs but cannot produce on its own, that is it is received from the diet including natural foods or supplements. Our body requires a wide range of essential nutrients, which include vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fats, and water, to function correctly. It is advisable to consult with your healthcare professional or a nutritionist to understand the importance of these essential nutrients and the individual recommended amounts.

Why are essential nutrients important for your heart health?

Maintaining a healthy heart is essential for your overall well-being, and consuming nutrients adequately is critical to achieving this. Essential nutrients provide the necessary building blocks to maintain a strong and efficient cardiovascular system. They help regulate blood pressure, support circulation, help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress—all of which contribute to better heart health.

Diet and nutrition play a significant role in maintaining heart health. A balanced diet comprises nutrients and food as a whole and does not rely on a single nutrient group. For example, fibre, micronutrients, and omega-3 fatty acids are some essential nutrients that can help nourish your heart and aid good health. (source)

List of 7 essential nutrients that support heart health:

Here’s a list of essential nutrients to guide you through your heart health journey:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A type of polyunsaturated fat, omega-3 is found in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Some plant-based sources of omega-3 are walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, soybean, kidney beans and spinach. Omega 3 plays a role in the heart, blood vessels, and immune system. It is known as being a brain food which can help reduce inflammation, lower triglyceride levels and help maintain healthy heart rhythms.
2. Fibre: Found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, fibre is an essential nutrient for heart health. It not only helps lower cholesterol levels but also regulates blood sugar control, which can be better for heart health. Moreover, incorporating fibre-rich foods into your diet supports healthy digestion and helps manage weight ICMR-NIN recommends the consumption of 30g/day of fibre for overall health. (source)
3. Potassium: Bananas, oranges, tomatoes, leafy greens and coconut water are excellent sources of potassium. This mineral plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, supporting heart muscle contraction, and balancing electrolyte levels. Including potassium-rich foods in your diet can contribute to a healthier heart.
4. Calcium: Calcium is not only important for strong bones and teeth but also plays a role in maintaining a regular heartbeat and healthy blood vessels. Dairy products including milk, cheese, yoghurt, curd, and paneer are good sources of calcium. Ragi is a non-dairy source of calcium. Ensuring an adequate intake of calcium contributes to a well-rounded diet. (source)
5. Magnesium: Found in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, magnesium is vital for maintaining heart rhythm, regulating blood pressure, and supporting overall heart health. Including magnesium-rich foods in your diet can help with proper muscle and nerve function. (source)
6. Iron: It is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health. One of its key functions is to support the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Sufficient oxygen supply is essential for the heart’s functioning. Iron can be found in animal products such as lean meats and poultry. The plant-based sources like beans, lentils, fortified cereals, and spinach, can also contribute to your iron intake. 
7. Zinc: An essential nutrient, it supports heart health through various mechanisms. Zinc is crucial for immune system function, and a healthy immune system indirectly contributes to overall cardiovascular well-being. To include zinc in your diet, you can consume seafood, particularly shellfish, poultry, lean meats, and dairy products. For those following a plant-based diet, legumes like chickpeas, beans, soybeans and lentils, as well as nuts and whole grains, can be a valuable addition to your zinc consumption.

Consuming these essential nutrients into your diet is crucial for overall health and supporting heart health. 

It is important to note that maintaining a balanced diet is essential. Additionally, it is advisable to limit the intake of processed and high-fat foods, as well as saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium, as they can increase the risk of heart disease.

Nourish Your Heart for a Healthier Future

In conclusion, by prioritising diet and nutrition, you can nourish your heart and promote long-term cardiovascular health. A balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods is key to ensuring you provide your heart with the support it needs. If you are looking for a good balance of MUFA and PUFA in your cooking oil, look no further, Saffola Gold is packed with natural antioxidants and can be a good choice for cooking as well as vinaigrettes and tadkas. Including a variety of antioxidant-rich foods in your diet can provide heart-protective benefits.

Remember, a healthy heart is the foundation of a vibrant life, so make conscious choices to fuel your body with these essential nutrients. Your heart will thank you for it, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of improved overall well-being and vitality.