The heart shouldn’t be the main character just on Valentine’s Day

The heart is more than a symbol

The heart is an iconic symbol of emotions, but at the same time one of the most important organs in the body, our “engine”. “The health of the heart depends largely on our daily habits. Maintaining its health is not a campaign-like task, but the result of long-term lifestyle decisions,” emphasizes Dr. Cardiologist M. Ákos Lőrincz.

“A sedentary lifestyle, persistent stress and inadequate nutrition can pose serious risks in the long term. The good news is that we can do a lot for our hearts with even small lifestyle changes. Prevention plays a key role, especially in the younger age group, where symptoms often remain hidden. It is also important to know whether there have been cardiovascular diseases in our family, so we can start prevention early by participating in screening tests and quitting alcohol and smoking.”

Why is it important to talk about this?

In Hungary, cardiovascular diseases continue to be one of the most common health problems: according to statistics, diseases of the circulatory system account for more than half of the world’s population is affected by these conditions. It is estimated that tens of thousands of people are seriously affected by these conditions every year.

Exercise that your heart feels

The heart feels really good when we are in motion. You don’t have to think about extreme workouts or marathons, regularity is much more important than intensity. “The health of the cardiovascular system is best supported by so-called aerobic forms of exercise,” says the cardiologist. “Brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or even dancing are all forms of exercise that improve circulation, help regulate blood pressure and can reduce the risk of heart disease in the long term. Even a few times a week, for 30-40 minutes at a time, has a measurable positive effect.”

Conscious nutrition: one of the heart’s best friends

Conscious nutrition is one of the heart’s best friends. “A balanced diet is not about following trends or strict rules, but about ensuring that our body gets all the important nutrients,” emphasizes Sára Somogyi, a dietitian at BioTechUSA.

“The basis of a heart-friendly diet is variety: the right amount of protein, good quality, mostly monounsaturated (vegetable) fats (e.g. olive oil, rapeseed oil for frying and cooking, for salads, as dressings, and cold walnut oil, pumpkin seed oil, flaxseed oil), complex carbohydrates (e.g. oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain bread and pasta, bulgur, quinoa, lentils, beans, chickpeas), the right amount of fiber in the form of vegetables, fruits, grains and seeds, and regular intake of vitamins and minerals. We should strive to get these from our foods. Of course, nutritional supplements also have their place. its role, these are worth incorporating into our daily routine. Active ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and potassium can contribute to normal heart function, while antioxidant vitamins can help protect cells against oxidative stress. BioTechUSA currently has a product containing omega-3 fatty acids in its portfolio, but it is worth keeping an eye on in the future, as we will be launching something new soon.”

Valentine’s Day in a new interpretation

A joint workout, a long walk, a consciously composed breakfast or a calm, stress-free evening can mean much more than a classic gift. So this Valentine’s Day, let’s not only pay attention to the hearts of others, but also to our own.