It's Healthy Heart Week at ParkerFitnessUK this week - here are some ways to keep your heart healthy with tips, recipes & exercise ideas
What is SO special about the heart?
The heart is a muscle about the size of your fist. It pumps blood around your body and beats approximately 70 times a minute.
After the blood leaves the right side of the heart, it goes to your lungs where it picks up oxygen.
The oxygen-rich blood returns to your heart and is then pumped to the body's organs through a network of arteries.
The blood returns to your heart through veins before being pumped back to your lungs again. This process is called circulation.
The heart gets its own supply of blood from a network of blood vessels on the heart's surface called coronary arteries. (NHS Website)
The HEART is VERY important and you need to look after it the best you can
Keeping your Heart Healthy is very important as it can lead to CHD
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of death in the UK and worldwide. CHD is sometimes called ischaemic heart disease or coronary artery disease.
Coronary heart disease is the term that describes what happens when your heart's blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries.
Over time, the walls of your arteries can become furred up with fatty deposits. This can be caused by lifestyle factors, such as smoking and regularly drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
Here are some ways to keep your Heart Healthy Physical Active - Exercise is KEY to having a Healthy Heart Eat a Healthy Diet - reduce saturated fats Stop Smoking - healthy lungs = healthy heart Reduce Alcohol - limit your consumption Watch your Blood Pressure - keep your stress levels under control
Here's a delicious and heart-healthy chicken recipe for you to try:
Baked Lemon and Herb Chicken Breasts Ingredients:
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts * 2 lemons, zested and juiced * 2 tbsp olive oil * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped * 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped * Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 3. Place the chicken breasts in a large baking dish and pour the lemon herb mixture over the chicken. 4. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it's cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). 5. Serve the baked chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete, healthy meal.
This recipe is a great way to enjoy delicious, heart-healthy chicken. The lemon and herbs in the marinade add flavour without added salt, and the use of olive oil instead of butter makes this recipe a healthier option. Plus, baking the chicken instead of frying it helps to reduce unhealthy fats. Enjoy!
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Or if you have any questions just ask, Mary
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