Nutritional tips for better heart health

Eating dark chocolate every day (in moderation) reduces the risk of heart disease by one-third. Tea is a rich source of polyphenols: natural plant chemicals that have antioxidant properties which are beneficial for artery elasticity, blood pressure, blood stickiness and inflammation. Results from 20 trials, involving almost 1,000 people, showed that garlic supplements reduced blood pressure as well as lower the risk of a heart attack.

How exercise helps

A six-year study that looked at 33,060 runners and 15,045 walkers found that walking can lower the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes as much as running. The American Heart Association also reports yoga may lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Remember, it's not just a lack of activity in general that puts us in danger, but staying sedentary. Experts advise a break from your chair every 30 minutes.