That is to say they basically have no nutritional or health regard for their precious hearts. If truly they ate well and obeyed nature and the few golden rules, why should they have ill or bad hearts, not to mention 'dark' hearts? As experts know and say; what you eat sure shapes you and your heart.
So isn't it time you took a deep look inside and made some major modifications? And I am not talking surgery, thank God! Just small but critical and beneficial steps for your good and generous heart...
At birth most of us, generally, have similar potential and opportunities (save for those naughty genes). Whether you are looking at health, longevity, wealth, education, you name it. Yes, we were all born and destined for greatness.
Now what usually sets the greats from the ordinary is nurture and circumstance. How we are brought up, especially how we eat during our childhood, whether our parents can afford a good education for us, who we socialise with and so on all add up to shape who we are and how our hearts turn out somewhat.
The one thing that I believe is that ALL of us have some, if not a lot of, control over our health and our hearts. It's a choice - whether you believe it or not. It's a simple fact, if you don't take charge of your nutrition and health, something or somebody else will. And the results are never pretty.
Yep, much as some corners may take nutrition lightly, that clearly is a wrong move because that fist-sized muscle learns and remembers well. With good nutrition, your heart will be taken care of, and in turn it will take care of you till you are beyond 90 years. If not, what can I say; oops, you might not even live to tell the tale. Sad indeed.
They say seven is a lucky number. So I offer you here the researched, tried and tested nutrition and lifestyle big seven to take care of your heart. And if you follow these simple seven rules, you will be singing your heart out all the way to a good life. Careful though, you might even make your archrivals envious not to mention jealous!
l For starters you must, and I mean must, take at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day (especially the traditional ones as you are guaranteed no GMO). These contain substances that prevent heart and brain attacks (strokes) as they protect blood vessels, heart and brain tissue.
l Avoid salt and salty foods. Many processed and preserved foods like polony, simba chips, French fries, frozen dinners, contain more salt than the body can handle.
l Eat more fibre, yes. That won't suddenly turn you into a ruminant. Just do it! Fibre protects you against heart attacks and strokes. So pack up on fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, peas, oats, whole mabele (for example mosutlhane)
l Limit red meat. Get in touch with your fishy side each week and eat at least two servings of oily fish. Fish oils contain the 'good fats', for example omega -3 fatty acids that protect us from heart and brain attacks by preventing blood clots.
l Limit fatty foods - (might I add, limit sugary foods too?) Though they can be absolutely oh soooo tempting, they are also deliciously, decadently, disastrous for your heart!
l Limit alcohol. In moderation, some wine or any alcohol for that matter can be good for you. But there is a cut off point. Two drinks for a man and one for a woman per day does the trick. Hey, at least you can't say I didn't warn you! Now you know.
l And last, but by no means least, the famous or is it infamous "E" word. Exercise. My motto has always been "the more we move, the more we live".
The heart just responds better to exercise, and the results always speak for themselves. Imagine weight loss, a toned body, managed stress, and positive outlook on life. Need I say more? Things aren't always as they appear. That is why you need a strong and healthy heart! Asanteni sana na kwaheri! (-Kiswahilli for thank you very much and goodbye).
