Does your chest flutter? Racing heartbeat? Experiencing shortness of breath? Are you in love?............. NO. Your heart is probably broken in fact, what were described earlier were the symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Two hundred seventy six Filipinos die of heart disease everyday according to FNRI and one person dies of stroke every 9 minutes. This is not to frighten but to inform you that there is now an increasing trend of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) in the country.

February, the month where lovers express their love and affection for each other is also known as “Heart Month”. This is to make you aware that you can reduce the risk of having CVD. For those with “broken heart” and to those who do not like to have one, the 10 Kumainiments “Sigla at lakas ng buhay” Kumainment #8 says-“Hinay-hinay sa maalat, mamantika at matatamis.”:

• Use natural foods with less or no sodium. Use herbs and spices for flavor enhancement instead of cubes, seasoning and flavor mixes.
• Limit intake of with high sodium like dried fish, “daing”, instant noodles and salty other snacks.
• Use polyunsaturated fats when cooking like canola, sunflower and safflower. These lower bad cholesterols and increases good cholesterol.
• Avoid hydrogenated and Trans fat like margarine, partially hydrogenated oils and vegetable shortening. Study shows that high intake of these fats increases the chances of having breast cancer, type 2 diabetes and auto-immune diseases.
• Drink water instead of soft drinks and sweetened drinks like ice tea, juice drinks and energy drinks.
• Limit intake of processed and packaged foods like cookies, cakes, frosted cereals and etc.
• Eat foods that are high in fiber. Fibers especially the soluble ones have cholesterol-lowering properties and are found in most fruits, vegetables, beans and grains.

Following and applying this gradually to your lifestyle can lead you to a healthier and fulfilling life! “Take care of your heart, don’t let it fall apart” -Brandon Gaille.//RJD