Are you here because you think you might be getting your heart broken anytime soon? Or you’re already experiencing one right now? Well, we’ve got better things to talk about with you. A broken heart can’t kill you (it can only make you stronger), but heart disease can. 

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases account for 31% of deaths – that’s more than 17 million lives lost – globally. You’re especially at risk if you’re overweight, have diabetes, and have vices like smoking and excessive drinking.

So, let’s focus instead on what you can do to prevent a literally broken heart. And to be honest, these things can also help you feel better emotionally and let you live a better life – there’s nothing to lose.

Instead of wallowing in sadness, get up and do a 30-minute Zumba

Lack of exercise is one of the factors contributing to cardiovascular diseases. So, if you’re feeling a little upset because of an argument, don’t just curl up in bed watching Netflix. Switch to Youtube and look for a 30-minute Zumba workout instead to get your daily dose of recommended exercise. You actually need to do at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity in a week.

This will also help you maintain a healthy weight which is crucial in fighting heart disease. It’s also a good pick-me-upper if you’re feeling down. So, whether you’re nursing a broken heart or trying to prevent one, you might want to start sweating it out.

Eat your feelings but go for healthy food

We know that when you’re feeling blue, munching on a bag of chips and a tub of ice cream sounds like a good idea. At first, it does. Nothing beats that sweet and salty taste of junk food to take the pain away. 

But in reality, it doesn’t. It’s just making it worse. Sugary snacks don’t make you happy, they do the exact opposite. Salty snacks, on the other hand, are just plain bad for you. Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, heart diseases, or stroke.

If you really want to feel better, go for fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. They may sound like the most boring choice but because they’re low in saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium, they’re the ones that can effectively do the job of helping you fight heart disease and a lonely heart, too.

Don’t forget to eat fiber-rich food like oats, beans, soy, and fatty fish because they can lower your cholesterol levels, lessening your risk for heart diseases.

Don’t drown yourself in beer, drink healthier drinks instead

We see everyone do it – our friends, in movies – you drink alcohol when you’re going through something rough. But come to think of it, why would you excessively take something that will make you lonelier than you already are? (FYI, alcohol is a type of depressant.) Okay, maybe because sometimes it’s fun to wallow in sadness but you’re really just prolonging the suffering – or even triggering a future one, too.

Excessive alcohol consumption also contributes to heart disease. Both men and women are advised not to exceed the recommended limit of 14 alcohol units per week. What you can do is go for healthier and more natural drinks like Del Monte Heart Smart Pineapple Juice. 

Del Monte Heart Smart has Reducol® which is a blend of stanols and sterols, clinically proven to lower cholesterol. According to a study, taking two servings of Del Monte Heart Smart daily may help lower cholesterol in 8 weeks together with a balanced diet. It comes in two flavors: pineapple and orange, in 240 ml and 1-liter tetra packs.

Not convinced? Try it out first and see how you’ll emerge from your sorrow with a healthy, happy heart that’s full of love and zero heart disease. – Rappler.com

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References:
Emata DV, Jimenez LM, Tamayo LM and Chan G. Efficacy of Plant Phytosterol Mixture Contained in a Commercial Juice Blend in Reducing Cholesterol Levels among Filipinos 25 to 60 Years of Age: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind Trial. Phil Journ Int Med; 2011; 49(4); 223-233.