Saturday, September 29, 2012

FOOD/HEART SPECIAL...Way to heart is through the stomach


Way to heart is through the stomach



A number of food items are good for a healthy heart. Besides consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables, we should bear a few other points in mind to prevent heart diseases.
To eat healthy is important but erratic work schedules prevent most of us from adhering to this rule.
Dr Ratan Rathod, cardiologist at MGM New Bombay hospital, Vashi, explains, “Because of our busy schedules, we binge on junk food, which is not good for the body. Junk food has low nutritional value and must be completely avoided. Fried food is particularly unhealthy. Also, instead of bread, have chappatis.”
“Fruits are rich in antioxidants and, therefore, very good for the heart. But fruits after a meal must be avoided as it leads to acidity as the body cannot absorb the vitamins. So, have fruits around mid-morning,” Dr Rathod added.
Heart patients must stay away from bananas as they are rich in calories.
Dr Sanjeevkumar Kalkekar , interventional cardiologist, MGM New Bombay hospital, Vashi, and assistant professor at MGM medical college, Kamothe, said, “Raw fruits are better than fruit juices as they contain fibres, which is good for the body.”
Dr Kalkekar also suggests that one must avoid packaged food items as they contain a large amount of sodium.
Also, its best to avoid red meat. Egg whites are in fact better than egg yolks.
“Vegetables should be cleaned and washed properly. Burgers and pizzas should be consumed occasionally. Although, now many food outlets claim to have burgers and pizzas for diet-conscious people, don’t end up indulging in such junk frequently,” said Dr Mahesh Singh, cardiac surgeon at Fortis Hiranandani hospital in Vashi.

DNA  Sep 29, 2012 WORLD HEART DAY

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