World Heart Day is observed on September 29 annually with an aim to create awareness among the populace about cardiovascular disease, a spectrum of associated health problems, and effective ways to prevent heart ailments. The president of the World Heart Federation Antoni Bayes de Luna (1997 to 1999) conceived this idea, and the first World Heart Day was observed on September 24, 2000, and until 2011, this health event was earmarked on the last Sunday in September. From 2012, it is being observed annually on September 29, and this health event is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
As per the World Health Organisation reports, about 18.6 million people each year die from heart disease, and mortality accounts for 33% worldwide. The global leaders are committed to decreasing mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% by 2025. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for around half of NCD deaths making it the world’s number one killer. Thus, World Heart Day serves as a perfect stage for the CVD community to unite in the fight against heart ailments and lessen the disease burden globally.
Cardiovascular disease and stroke are the leading cause of death globally, the World Heart Day emphasizes measures that every person should take to avert and manage CVD. Further, it aims to drive strategies to educate people about risk factors like tobacco, smoking, unhealthy eating habits, and physical inactivity and control them. Thereby reducing at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke.
Significance Of World Heart Day
The mission of this health campaign is “Cardiovascular Health For Everyone” which works to provide every individual to get access to the information, care, and treatment they need to augment their heart healthy, irrespective of race, nationality, age, gender, education, or income. The World Heart Federation works diligently to assure that people across the globe are delivered precise and up-to-date information on cardiovascular diseases.
This year’s theme is “Use Heart For Every Heart”, which provide every individual an opportunity to think about how best to use heart for humanity, for nature, and for you. Fighting cardiovascular disease is something that matters to keep every beating heart healthy.
The goal of World Heart Day is to draw attention to the behaviour that really can daunt individuals from becoming liable for cardiovascular diseases, as well as to educate the people on how to manage the potential risk factors. This helps to prevent 80 percent of untimely deaths happening from strokes and heart attacks.
Read this article to get an overview of wholesome foods that can better your heart health and lower the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
7 Powerful Foods For Heart Health
Diet plays a crucial role in heart health and can impact a person's risk of heart disease. In fact, certain foods can influence blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol levels, and inflammation, all of which are contributing factors to a heart ailment. Several studies have revealed two vital things: food that is riskier for your heart and foods that strengthen it. Add these foods on a regular basis to maximize heart health and optimize your overall well-being.
Also Read: Atherosclerosis Diet: What Should You Eat and Avoid For Better Heart Health
Leafy Green Vegetables
Green leaves like spinach, moringa leaves, and kale are well known for their treasure trove of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Greens are an abundant source of vitamin K, which safeguards the arteries and improve proper blood clotting. While being high in nitrates, leafy green veggies can reduce blood pressure, lessen arterial stiffness, and enhance the function of cells lining the blood vessels. Moreover, several pieces of evidence have also found a strong association between increased intake of leafy green vegetables and a lower risk of heart disease.
Whole Grains
Whole grain comprises nutrient-rich parts of the cereal such as germ, endosperm, and bran. Some of the whole grains include wheat, brown rice, oats, rye, quinoa, etc., A diet loaded with refined carbs increase the risk of CVD, while adding 1 to 2 serving of whole grains per day are protective and decrease the risk of heart disease by 10-20%. Further, evidence has shown that eating whole grains is linked with lower cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure as well as a lower risk of a heart ailment.
Also Read: Whole Grain Cereal: Nutrition, Types, Health Benefits And Side Effects
Avocados
Avocados are an impressive source of healthy fatty acids which have proven to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. Being rich in potassium, a nutrient that’s vital to heart health, avocados supply 4.7 grams of potassium per serving which helps to control blood pressure and lower the risk of stroke.
Fatty Fish/Fish Oil
Fatty fish heaped with omega-3 fatty acids have proven to confer heart health incentives. Omega fatty acids are attributed to have a shielding role in reducing the risk of CVD and arrhythmias. While adding fish to the meal plan is associated with a lower risk of heart ailments, depression, and mortality. If you don’t eat seafood, then a good option is fish oil supplement which can help you meet the daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids.
Walnuts
Walnuts are an incredible source of dietary fiber and minerals like magnesium, copper, and manganese. Studies show that adding a handful of walnuts as a healthy snack in the meal can diminish levels of LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol and protect against heart disease.
Beans
Beans contain resistant starch which is fermented by good bacteria in the gut. The resistant starch holds a remarkable role in maintaining gut microbe and healthy functioning of the digestive system. Regular addition of legumes to the diet regimen can control blood pressure, lower inflammation, and lower the risk of heart disease.
Garlic
Garlic has been used as an age-old remedy to treat a host of health woes. Latest research has also proven its strong medicinal traits and found that garlic can even augment heart health. The richness of compound allicin in garlic is attributed to its magnificent therapeutic effects. Studies have also disclosed that garlic extract inhibits platelet formation, which may lower the risk of blood clots and stroke and reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. To reap maximum health benefits, have raw garlic or crush it and allow it to stay for a few minutes before cooking to enhance allicin formation.
