Like any other muscle in the body, the heart requires preventive care if it is to continue to operate at top form. While some people are afflicted with congenital heart disease, most people who are affected can point to the way they live as a contributor to their problems. Fortunately, with lifestyle changes, many of these contributing factors can be lessened or eliminated entirely.

Smoking: The risk of heart disease for smokers is more than twice that of nonsmokers. Smokers who quit now will greatly reduce their risk of heart disease and heart attack.

High Fat/High Cholesterol Diet: There are many wonderful food products available today that are free of cholesterol and saturated fat. Imagine Foods, a natural foods company, makes an array of beverages (Rice Dream and Soy Dream), soups (Imagine Natural Organic Soups and Broths), and Soy Dream and Rice Dream Frozen Desserts that are nondairy, cholesterol free and delicious.

In 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that foods containing at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving that are also "low fat," can claim to be “heart healthy” on their products’ labels, because these foods play a part in reducing the risk of heart disease. Imagine Foods’ Soy Dream Beverages, by way of example, has 7 grams of soy protein in an 8 ounce serving, so it is considered a “heart healthy” food product according to the FDA’s guidelines.

High Blood Pressure: A healthy diet (low in saturated fat and cholesterol, high in grains, fruits and vegetables (a plant based diet); losing weight; exercising regularly; restricting sodium; and using medication might help lower blood pressure to a healthy level.

Family history of coronary artery disease: Make sure that you’re aware of your medical history, and that you see a health care provider for a complete physical, especially before undertaking an exercise program.

Diabetes: The incidence of type 2 diabetes is nearing epidemic proportions in the United States. Many people who are overweight or obese are at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Lack of exercise: In 1996 the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health advised Americans to get at least a half-hour of vigorous exercise each day. This year, the National Academies' Institute of Medicine recommended doubling the amount of physical activity from 30 minutes to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity each day. You don’t need to train for a marathon to see the benefits! Go for a relaxed walk today and you’ll be doing your body good.

Obesity: An estimated 120 million adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Weight control can be accomplished by various methods including changing your diet to include more “heart healthy” ingredients like those made without saturated fat and cholesterol. Instead of enjoying cream style soups full of dairy and saturated fats, try Imagine Natural Organic Soups and Broths, they’re creamy, delicious and completely dairy and cholesterol free.

Stress: Exercise is a wonderful stress reliever, but there are plenty of other ways to stop life’s pressures from reaching the boiling point. Some include keeping a journal, meditating, reading novels that “take you away,” spending time with friends and family and trying your hand at healthy all natural recipes, like the one below. Your friends will be impressed by your culinary skills and your heart will be grateful. Enjoy!

Soy Dream Pumpkin Pie

1 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (or canned)

1 1/4 cup Soy Dream Original beverage

1 cup brown sugar

3 eggs

1 tablespoon molasses

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cloves

1/8 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 prepared 9-inch pie crust (uncooked/unfrozen)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine Soy Dream and brown sugar in a small pan, heat; do not boil. Combine pumpkin, eggs, molasses, spices, and salt in a bowl. Slowly pour Soy Dream mixture into pumpkin puree, stirring constantly.

Pour into the pie crust and place in oven. Bake for 45 minutes to one hour. Pie is done when knife inserted into center comes out clean. Let pie cool before cutting.

Courtesy of ARA Content