Adopting healthy lifestyle measures, such as regular physical activity and a good diet, can knock years off your biological age, according to a new study.
Furthermore, the study of 6,500 adults found that those in good cardiovascular health were, on average, five years younger in their biological age than in their actual or chronological age.
Here is checklist for a healthy heart:
Eat Better: Aim for an overall healthy eating pattern that includes whole foods, lots of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds, and cooking in non-tropical oils such as olive and canola.
Be More Active: Adults should get 2.5 hours of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week. Children should have 60 minutes every day, including play and structured activities.
Get Healthy Sleep: Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Children require more: 10-16 hours for ages 5 and younger, including naps; 9-12 hours for ages 6-12; and 8-10 hours for ages 13-18.
Control Cholesterol: Heart disease can result from elevated non-HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or "bad," cholesterol levels. Instead of monitoring total cholesterol, your healthcare provider may choose to assess non-HDL cholesterol since it is a reliable indicator that can be determined across all individuals and does not require prior fasting.
Manage Blood Sugar and blood pressure: Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (or blood sugar) that our bodies use as energy. Keeping your blood pressure within acceptable ranges can keep you healthier longer. Levels less than 120/80 mm Hg are optimal.
