Globally, the prevalence of cardio illnesses has prompted a shift toward better eating habits and lifestyles. It is widely held that cholesterol is the most important factor when it comes to heart attacks. While cholesterol does contribute significantly, leading a sedentary lifestyle also contributes to heart attacks. Heart attacks are significantly influenced by the way we conduct our life. The amount of sleep we receive each night, what we eat, how much workout we get, the emotions that fill our hearts and minds, and other things are among these determinants.

When it comes to the subject of the ‘stuff we consume’, it’s not only about choosing foods that are gluten-free or low in salt, or high in fat but all of those factors certainly affect our diets. But our everyday possessions are what is really important. What can be done to make it better and how can we alter and correct that? How can we identify goods devoid of dangerous components like poisonous compounds like BPA and preservatives that are hidden?

We must resolve this fundamental problem as soon as possible because it is the source of many of our health issues. Nobody can perceive these issues since they are concealed. In this article, I wish to clarify that subject, so let’s get started.

Hidden concerns in our food are frequently discovered:
Processed foods and harmful chemicals: Today the amount of food tampering is unprecedented. Fruits and vegetables are fresh, but to maintain their flavour, freshness, and colour, they are also loaded with chemicals and preservatives.

Among the main reasons for heart difficulties and the rise in cardiovascular illnesses are additives in food products. Preservatives in food can damage the heart’s tissues, according to studies. Consuming food products that contain preservative remnants might raise your chance of developing heart disease.
Fast food consumption and dining out are trends that the current generation is concerned about because of the rise in globalization.
In India, packaged foods are the main source of salt, along with indiscriminate and ignorant use. The increased use of processed foods in India has resulted in a rise in the incidence of hypertension in both urban and rural regions. When the item is manufactured, sodium from other substances that contain sodium can be seen (emulsifiers, dough conditioners, chemical preservatives). This kind of sodium is frequently described as sodium that is ‘hidden’ from the customer. This would include sodium bicarbonate, sodium benzoate, monosodium glutamate, sodium saccharin, sodium nitrate, and baking soda.

Many hidden poisons are included in packaged foods, oils, and spices. Trans fats made from soybean oil or hydrogenated fat are included in many packaged meals, margarine, and snack packs. Another key contributor to inflammation is trans fatty acids, and chronic, high levels of aggravation are directly linked to heart disease. Chemical elements in cassia cinnamon, such as coumarin, can be toxic if ingested in significant quantities. By selecting Ceylon cinnamon or ‘genuine cinnamon’, which has been associated with reduced risk of cancer and liver damage, you may stay away from coumarin. Several more poisons in our bodies also need to be swapped out right away.

Sugars added to processed meals are frequently referred to as ’empty calories’, but their negative consequences extend well beyond this. Numerous chronic problems, including fatty liver disease, diabetes, and unwelcome weight gain, can result from the addition of sugar to numerous meals. Over the past few decades, high fructose corn syrup has become more and more prevalent in our cuisine. The benefits of this sugar over ordinary sugar include the fact that it is less expensive, sweeter, and easier for your body to metabolise. Recent research has demonstrated that high fructose corn syrup promotes obesity and increases hunger more than ordinary sugar. There is proof that high fructose corn syrup causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, elevated triglycerides, inflammation, and diabetes. Best to keep your steps away from it.

How many of you check the nutrition labels before buying a product?

Purchasing Genuine Products: What proportion of you think the data on the front pack is correct?
Marketing becomes important in this situation. Look for companies and goods that are transparent about their offerings and don’t include any hidden messages.

Use cold-pressed oils for cooking rather than refined oils: Refined oils damage your heart and promote inflammation. Using refined oils to cut costs is not a good idea. In order to enhance the health of your heart, be sure to select the appropriate type and amount of oil. Your health is an investment, not a cost, therefore you might have to pay a little bit extra.

Choose Organic: Foods cultivated organically are produced without the use of hazardous pesticides, synthetic chemicals, or genetically engineered organisms. The term ‘organic’ can also refer to a product that has only organic ingredients and no synthetic ones in its formulation. Consumers have received a lot of support and attention in recent years for switching to organic and chemical-free produce in place of commonplace items. Organic food items don’t include wax or preservatives for longer shelf life, contrasting regular food items. Since organic food is cultivated organically, it is healthier and more nutrient-rich than conventional food. But if you want to live a healthier life, this is the best way to do it.

GMO-free: Items that are organic are free of GMOs. Plants having changed DNA that cannot arise naturally perhaps through crossbreeding are known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or genetically engineered foods (GEs). They are 100% guaranteed natural, devoid of pollutants, fresher foods, antibiotics, and hormones. They are also brimming with nutrients.
Finally, it’s crucial to keep in mind that lifestyle is your body’s free stimulant. Starting with minor lifestyle adjustments will have a big impact on your life since you won’t need to take the dangerous drugs that are making you sicker and sicker and causing cardiovascular disease.

– Luke Coutinho is a Holistic Nutrition and Lifestyle
(Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine) Specialist and co-founder of youcarelifestyle.com