Are you one of the millions of people that are trying to make positive, healthier changes? Living healthier doesn’t have to be a huge sacrifice! By making these easy changes to your lifestyle you can add years to your life!
Walk 30 minutes a day
Research has shown that people who walk for 30 minutes a day are more likely to live longer than those who walk less. Start out by walking 10 minutes twice a day, and make an effort to park your car far away from stores, or take the stairs instead of the elevator. These short bursts of activity can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Drink more tea
Green and black teas contain a concentrated dose of catechins. Catechins help blood vessels relax and protect your heart. Even though most studies show that maximum benefits are achieved by drinking 5 or 6 cups daily, 1 or 2 cups will still do your heart good. Fresh brew is best and stick to lemon and honey as additions.
Update your oatmeal
The average American eats only 15 grams of fiber per day. The healthier fix? Just add 10 more grams of fiber and you can reduce your risk of heart disease. Dietary fiber is not only known to help you lose weight, it also helps reduce total and LDL (bad) cholesterol and improve insulin sensitivity! Your morning oatmeal contains 4 grams of fiber. Y can boost its fiber power by adding 1 cup of raspberries and you have already consumed half of your daily goal with breakfast!
Stop drinking soda
Drinking even one regular or diet soda every day doubles your risk of high blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, and excess fat around the waist, all which increase your chance of heart disease and diabetes.
Socialize
According to a recent study of more than 500 men and women ages 78 and older from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, outgoing people are 50% less likely to develop dementia. They also found that people that go out and socialize tend to have less stress, which is also good for the heart.
Eat purple food
Purple foods get their rich color from polyphenols, compounds that reduce risk of heart disease. Polyphenols help keep blood vessels and arteries flexible and healthy. Researchers found that eating 1 or more cups of blueberries every day may improve communication between brain cells, enhancing your memory.
SOURCE: http://shine.yahoo.com/event/makeover/6-ways-to-live-a-lot-longer-576937/